Lexington, OH: Helen Jean Smith, age 89, left her earthly body to join her beloved Heavenly Father, Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on February, 16, 2026 in Lexington, Ohio. Jean passed into her heavenly father’s arms 10 days after suffering a stroke in her sleep at Lexington Court Care Center in Lexington, Ohio.
Born May 10, 1936 in Beaver, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of Hilmer Napoleon Bloom, and Helen Irene (McCandless) Bloom. She grew up in Beaver, PA and was a very active varsity cheerleader and honors student, participating in many school plays and graduating in 1954 from the Beaver Area High School. She studied voice at Indiana State Teachers College prior to marrying her beloved high school sweetheart and late husband, John Lamar Smith, in 1957.
Jean was a long standing member of Mansfield Alliance Church (previously First Alliance Church) and was active in the church choir for more than 30 years. She was often featured as a soprano soloist and actively participated in leading worship in mission trips to various churches across the state of Ohio and the eastern United States. In the mid 1960’s she recorded and released the album “A Miracle of Love” with tenor Dennis Johnson. Jean served as chairman & music chairman of the National Christian Business & Professional Women’s Council. Additionally, she was an avid sports fan, particularly passionate about her Ohio State Buckeyes even though she hailed from Pennsylvania, and was a true patriot. It was only fitting them, that she took her last breath on President’s Day, with the Olympic Games playing on tv in the background.
Most of all, Jean was dearly loved by her immediate family, church family, and friends. She worked tirelessly to raise her 3 children, then proceeded to help raise her 10 grandchildren. Jean’s face always lit up when she was in the presence of any baby or toddler. Upon retirement, Jean and her husband, John built their dream home at Apple Valley Lake, where for 25 years they enjoyed entertaining family and friends. Jean loved to cook throughout her life, and was known for her fabulous scratch pizza, Swedish meatballs, and buffet dinners served to missionaries from across the globe. Jean will always be remembered for her loving and teaching nature, and her love of singing.
Jean is survived by her children J. Neal (Jodi) Smith of Overland Park, KS, Jill E. (Dr. Jay) Guth of Lexington, and Holly B. (Jim) Napper of Mount Vernon; 10 grandchildren; and 17 precious great-grandchildren, which she adored. In addition to her parents, Jean was preceded in death by her late husband, John L. Smith, Jr., brother Aaron (Skip) Bloom, sister Joan (Bloom) Gridley, brother-in-law Richard (Dick) Gridley, brother Jonathon (Jeep) Bloom, and brother-in-law Richard (Zelda) Smith.
The Smith family will receive friends Saturday, February 21, 2026 from 11 AM to noon at Mansfield Alliance Church, 291 West Cook Road, Mansfield, Ohio, immediately followed by a celebration of life and worship service at noon. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Memorial Park in Lexington.
Memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society may be made at the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Home is honored to serve the Smith family, and encourage you to leave a fond memory or condolence, or watch her tribute video online at www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com
Funeral Home: Snyder Funeral Homes, Lexington Avenue Chapel
Website: www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com