J'nise (Anna) Smith

J’nise “Anna” Smith passed away on August 1, 2026. Born on February 12, 1955, in the Los Angeles. J’nise lived a life marked by creativity, kindness, generosity, and deep appreciation for the simple joys that made each day special.

J’nise graduated from Cal State Fullerton and went on to work as a records coordinator for many years. She was also very active in ARMA, where her professionalism and dedication reflected the pride she took in her work. While working for Dr Pepper in California, she met James “Jim” Smith, and the two were married in 1986 in Las Vegas.

Those who knew J’nise knew her love for Disney, Diet Coke, sweets, and the fun of a casino visit, where she often seemed to walk away a winner. She also had a remarkable gift for making things by hand. She enjoyed needlepoint, cross stitch, scrapbooking, candy making, quilting, and crocheting. After retirement, she used that creativity to serve others by crocheting hand warmers for veterans and baby blankets for hospitals.

J’nise had a generous heart and a lasting connection to Ronald McDonald House. She helped raise money for the organization while living in California and continued to support it in meaningful ways over the years, including collecting can tabs and donating puzzles. After her stroke limited her ability to continue many of her crafts, she found joy in completing puzzles and then carefully taking them apart one piece at a time so families staying at Ronald McDonald House could enjoy them during difficult days.

J’nise had no surviving relatives, but she leaves behind long-term friends who cared for her deeply, including Arlan and Diane Roll, and Amy Wallingford and Caden Ortiz. Her memory will live on through the handmade gifts she shared, the causes she supported, and the many quiet acts of kindness she offered throughout her life.

An open house memorial will be held on August 7, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Crawford-Bowers Funeral Home.