Janis Marie Smith, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully entered her heavenly home on Friday, August 14, 2026, at NHC of Milan after an extended illness. She was 81 years old. Janis was born on September 25, 1944, in Coxville, TN a place that instilled in her the values of faith, family, and devotion that would shape her remarkable life.
During her working career, she was employed with Trans World Airlines for over twenty years as a Booking agent assisting with flight arrangements. Janis would later work for the Home Health Care industry for approximately twenty years. She and her husband loved to travel and had traveled across the world. As one of her hobbies, Janis loved to quilt and cook meals for her family. Her primary daily passion was her family, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren
Janis’s legacy is cherished most deeply by her loving family. She is survived by her devoted husband, Macy Smith, whose steadfast partnership was a source of strength and comfort to her throughout their years together. She leaves behind her daughter, Deanna Bane, and her stepdaughter, Shelly Swan, who both carry forward her boundless love and compassionate spirit.
Her love extended deeply to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whose lives she touched in enduring ways. Janis is lovingly remembered by her granddaughter, Becky Skalka, (Paul) and by her grandsons, Jason Nykowski, Steve Swan, and Ryan Swan. Her great-grandchildren, Collin, Emma and Austin Skalka and Patrick, Christopher, Ashlyn, and Nora Swan—brought her immeasurable joy, each one a testament to the enduring bonds of family she so treasured.
Janis’s loss is also felt in the absence of cherished family members who preceded her in death. She is reunited with her sisters, Carol Northrup and Dardanella Mattasso, and her brothers, Jerry Marsh and Jimmy Marsh. Her great-grandchild, Madison Skalka, also welcomed her home beyond this life.
Throughout her eighty-one years, Janis exhibited a quiet strength and grace that left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Her unwavering support, warmth, and resilience inspired her family and friends, and her memory will forever be honored by those whose lives she enriched with kindness and love.
SERVICES: Family and friends will have the opportunity to come together in remembrance of Janis on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Arrington Funeral Directors. Following visitation, a funeral service will take place at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel. Burial will follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery.
Janis Marie Smith will be deeply missed, yet her legacy of love, generosity, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
