Jeannette Ruth Bayonne

A lifelong San Antonian, Jeannette was born on December 9, 1934, to Josephine Smith (née Sarrau) and William O. Smith. She attended St. Patrick's Grade School and graduated from Incarnate Word High School before studying art at the San Antonio Art Institute (McNay Art Museum) under renowned artist Reginald Rowe. She later continued her artistic education at the Art Students League of New York, where she further developed the creativity that would remain a constant throughout her life.

An accomplished artist, Jeannette earned multiple awards through the On My Own Time art exhibition, including recognition for a cherished painting of her granddaughter's dance shoes. Art was more than a hobby—it was one of the ways she expressed how she saw the world. That creative spirit found another home when she owned The Flower Pot, where she combined her artistic eye, love of flowers, and entrepreneurial spirit in work that brought her great joy.

Throughout her life, Jeannette also enjoyed careers in journalism, USAA, the oil industry, and telecommunications. While each chapter was meaningful, creativity remained the common thread throughout her life.

Jeannette was first married to Edward C. Swindle Jr., with whom she welcomed her two children, Mark and Renée. She later married Paul Hudgins, a fellow artist who shared her appreciation for creativity and the arts. Though their paths eventually diverged, that chapter remained an important part of her life's journey.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures—painting, cooking and baking, tending to flowers and gardens, traveling, and discovering the local restaurants, festivals, and hidden gems that made every trip memorable. She had an eye for beauty, an adventurous palate, and loved sharing both with others, whether through her artwork, the flowers she arranged, or a legendary family recipe like her mayonnaise cake and quiche.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Jeannette was a lifelong parishioner of St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church.

A passionate cat lover, Jeannette never imagined she would one day become such a fan of dogs. After moving in with family, she found herself completely charmed by the many pups who became part of her daily life. Before long, they had earned a special place in her heart, proving there is always room in life for unexpected joys.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Josephine Smith (née Sarrau) and William O. Smith; her brother, Raymond Lane; and her sister, Lois Forsyth.

She is survived by her beloved brother, Bill Smith and his wife, Nancy; her son, Mark Bayonne and his wife, Patty; her daughter, Renée J. Young and her husband, Gene Gentry; her seven beloved grandchildren: Nikki Young (Ryan), Danielle Bayonne (Tony), Emerald Bayonne (Brandon), Gabbi Krause (Steve), Dominique Gee (Spencer), Sky Bayonne, and Elijah Bayonne; cherished great-grandchildren and step-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; extended family members; and dear friends.

She was known by many names throughout her life—Jeannette, Mom, Gran'mama, Aunt Jan, and Mrs. Bayonne. Whatever name she answered to, she held a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

A Rosary will be recited on Wednesday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m. at Porter Loring Mortuary 1101 McCullough Ave., San Antonio, Texas 78212.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, August 6, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Peter Prince of the Apostles Catholic Church. A funeral procession to Holy Cross Cemetery will depart immediately following the Mass, where an entombment service will be held.

Reception information will be shared with family and friends.

Flowers and Texas native plants are welcome as a tribute to Jeannette's lifelong love of flowers and gardens. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Alzheimer's Association (https://www.alz.org/sanantonio), the Edwards Aquifer Conservancy (https://www.eaconservancy.org/), or another charitable organization that reflects Jeannette's passions for the arts, nature, gardening, and conservation.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate teams at Prodigious Hospice and Guiding Light Hospice, with a special thank you to Tracy and Lacy for the kindness, comfort, and loving care they provided throughout Jeannette's journey.