Jacqueline "Jackie" Exoria Smith

Jackie graduated from Cathedral High School, Springfield, MA in 1945. She attended courses at University of Massachusetts, in Amherst, MA and Mt. Holyoke College in Holyoke, MA and then transferred to Bay Path College in Longmeadow, MA where she earned an Associates Degree in Administrative Services, in 1949.

Jacqueline Smith (known as Jackie, Mom and Memere – French for Grandma) had a strong faith and close relationship with God. She adored her family, loved animals and was a consummate hostess and home chef. She was blessed to have found the love of her life in her husband, Tom, and they were devoted to each other for 34 years. Jackie was the perfect lady, full of joy and grace. She possessed a timeless beauty, inside and out. Jackie was gifted in many ways and considered her greatest blessing, and highest accomplishments, to be those connected with her family, whom she loved and cared for every day of her life. She also had several lifelong friends whom she cherished and kept in touch with until her passing.

While living in Huntsville, AL, during the early days of the space program, she enjoyed hosting parties for aerospace executives, scientists, and engineers in the family home. Jackie was strong, confident, highly intelligent, and well read. She could converse about any subject and always had an educated opinion to share. In between raising her children, Jackie enjoyed a career as the Gift Shop Manager/Buyer at the Huntsville International Airport, and as an Inside Sales Executive for several components’ companies, namely: Cartwright and Bean, TRW and South East Component Sales.

After spending many years in Lawrenceville, GA and Canton, GA, Jackie and Tom moved to Sarasota, FL in August 2018, to be closer to family. They have enjoyed the past 3 years residing in the Forest Pines Community.

The good Lord took Jackie to heaven, peacefully in her sleep, on August 20, 2021. We will miss her presence in our daily lives, and are thankful for her life and the time that we had with her. May she rest in peace and may her spirit shine upon us.

Survivors include her husband, Thomas H. Smith; Children: Lynne Kaplan (Alan), Gary Tibbs (Cindy) and Jack Tibbs (Kelly); Stepchildren: Thomas Smith III, Terry Smith, Michael Smith (Terri), Matthew Smith (deceased), Stephen Smith, MD (Lisa) and Karen Smith; Grandchildren: Brigitte Harley (Les), Brad Martin (Rachel), Dahlian Valdez (Edward), Jacqueline Tibbs and Erica Tibbs; Step-Grandchildren: Ben Smith, Rachel Smith, Chelsea Webster (Josh), Alexandrea Smith, Christopher Smith, Sydney Smith, Sean Smith, Trey Rickert, Nick Reed, and Alex Reed (Sara-Taylor); Great Grandchildren: Lawler White, Virginia Grey White, Sophie Martin, Georgia Martin, Afton Otwell, Gloria Valdez and Naomi Valdez; Step-Great Grandchildren: Adeline Webster, Opal Smith, Dean Reed and Salter Reed.

Visitation will be held on Friday, August 27 from 5-7 PM at Robert Toale & Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park, 170 Honore Avenue, Sarasota.

A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday. August 28, at 9:30 AM at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2506 Gulf Gate Drive, Sarasota.

Interment will be on Wednesday, September 1, at 11:00 AM at the Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Rd 72, Sarasota.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online, via phone, or US Mail to the Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601, 800/272-3900. The Alzheimer's Association, whose vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia, is leading the way to end these diseases by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.