Janice Powell Smith

Janice Powell Smith, 83, entered in to rest on January 4th, 2022. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Murray M. Smith (Brother Marty).

Janice was born on January 24, 1938, in Atlanta, GA. She was the daughter of Col. and Mrs. William T. Powell. Janice graduated from Agnes Scott College in Atlanta, GA and did her graduate work at Stetson University in Deland, Florida.

On June 18, 1960, Janice married Marty Smith in Atlanta, GA. They moved to Miami, FL and began serving the Emmanuel Baptist Church as pastors. Following her time in Miami, FL, Janice, and her family moved to Eustis, FL where she was a High School English teacher. Several years were spent teaching in Groveland, FL and she finished her teaching career at Eustis High School.

Janice had a heart for teaching and loving others. She was a high school English Teacher and taught English as a second language in the International Ministry at First Baptist Church Tallahassee, FL. She and her husband Marty served FBC Tallahassee for 20 years as Ministers to Internationals.

Janice’s love for teaching encouraged her daughter Mary Catherine and her son Murray to enter the teaching field. This has not only been a profession, but a ministry. She was so proud of Murray and loved watching him play basketball and be a coach. Janice enjoyed shopping and Disney trips with Mary Catherine’s family.

Granny, as she was called by her grandchildren and her great grandchildren, was a loving and nurturing grandmother. She was very encouraging and supportive of them as they participated in their various activities. Granny loved as Christ loved. It was also very important to her that the grandchildren knew that they could do all things through Jesus Christ. She is blessed to know that they all have a relationship with Jesus.

Janice is survived by her husband Murray M. Smith; son, Murray A. Smith, West Palm Beach, FL; daughter, Mary Catherine Greene (John), Grayson, GA; four grandchildren, Lindsey Kurlander (Justin), Tallahasee, FL; Adam Greene, Tallahassee, FL; Allison Greene, Grayson, GA; Austin Greene (Alyssa), Greenville, SC; and two great grandchildren, Jake Kurlander and Noah Greene.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, Tallahassee, FL on Saturday, January 8th from 12:00 – 2:00PM.

In Lieu of Flowers, a donation can be made to the International Ministry at First Baptist Church Tallahassee, FL.

Faith Funeral Home and Crematory in Havana, FL is overseeing the arrangements. A private burial will be held on Monday January 10th at 10:00AM at Tallahassee National Cemetery.