Joan "Jody" Catherine Smith

Joan Catherine “Jody” Smith, 81, Olathe, Kansas passed away peacefully on May 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 1945, in Kansas City, Kansas, to John G. Boeck, Jr. and Joan M. (Brenner) Boeck, Jody was a living embodiment of love, laughter, and generosity throughout her life.

Jody grew up in the Kansas City area and graduated from Lee’s Summit High School, After graduation, she married James “Jim” Brown, with whom she shared 17 years and two wonderful children, Georgia (Brown) Jenkins and James “Jamie” L. Brown.

On November 8, 1979, Jody found her lifelong partner and soulmate, Clifford Wade Smith. Their 34 years of marriage were filled with adventure, devotion, and laughter until his passing in 2013. They spent virtually all of their marriage in Pleasant Hill, Missouri, where they became deeply rooted in the community they loved. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and celebration.

Jody spent much of her time as a devoted mother actively involved in Pleasant Hill High School activities and supporting her children in every way possible. She was actively involved Project Graduation fundraisers, even orchestrating a basketball game between the Kansas City Chiefs players and the senior football team.

Later she began her lifelong career as a cosmetologist at the Courtesy Salon in Pleasant Hill—a career that perfectly matched her radiant personality. She had an extraordinary gift for making others feel beautiful, valued, and loved.

Known as the life of every gathering, Jody had a natural warmth that drew people in. Her laughter could fill a room, and her kindhearted spirit made everyone feel welcome. Family was the heartbeat of her world, her two grandchildren brought her immeasurable joy. She cherished family dinners where she could cook everyone’s favorite meals, play cards, and share stories late into the night.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joan Harrison, John G. Boeck, Jr., and Albert Harrison; her beloved husband, Clifford Smith; and her brother, John Cecil Boeck.

She is survived by her children, Georgia Jenkins (Dean) and Jamie Brown (Nancy); grandchildren Jessica Chmiel (David) and Stassi Ross (Dylan); great-grandchildren Gideon and Millie Chmiel and Lylah Ross; her sister, Deborah “Debbie” Mae Harrison (Linda); nephew John Boeck (Lisa); great-nephews Gavin and Jackson Boeck; and great-niece Lilly Boeck. She also leaves behind a multitude of dear friends whose lives were brighter for knowing her.

Jody’s legacy is one of love freely given, laughter shared often, and family held close. Her spirit will continue to echo in every story told, every table filled with family, and every laugh that carries through generations.