It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rebecca Jean Rodgers Smith, 89, who departed this life on Thursday, July 4, 2024, peacefully at her home in Lebanon, TN surrounded by her family.
Jean was born on March 3, 1935 in Columbia, TN to the late Roscoe Rodgers, and the late Mary Jewell Rodgers. She attended Central High School, and graduated in 1953 from Trevecca Nazarene High School in Nashville, TN. Jean was a member of First Church of the Nazarene, Columbia, TN.
She is survived by her daughter and son in law, Laurie and Steve Condra of Lebanon TN; grandson and granddaughter in law, Colburn James Condra and Sarah E. Condra; niece, Britton (Will) Foster; nephews, Charles Wayne “Chuck” Rodgers Jr., Guy (Aimee) Rodgers, Roscoe Watters, and Joshua (Hannah) Scheitel; two great nephews and three great nieces.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Kevin James Smith; brother, Charles Wayne Rodgers; sister, Laura Janice Rodgers Scheitel; aunt, Lillie Mae “Polly” Slayton; and niece, Terri Rodgers Pinkston.
Jean was employed 23 years with Ryder Truck Lines/PIE Nationwide as an Executive Secretary and Office Manager, and retired from R.O.C.I.C. where she was an Administrative Assistant to the Director for 9 yrs. Over her career, she was recognized by all her colleagues as a true professional. Her loyalty, integrity, honesty and dedication was unquestionable.
Above all, Jean was a loving Mother to her two children, and Nana to her grandson, who was at the center of her heart. She was known for her love and devotion to all of her family. Jean was also an independent woman, who led a simple life, enjoying her home and gardening. Her warmth, generosity, and her indelible sense of humor touched all who had the privilege to know her, and stayed with her until the end. Her resilience throughout her life, remarkable.
Visitation will be Thursday, July 11, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home with Funeral services immediately following at 1:00 PM at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Interment at Rose Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Cole Condra, Steve Condra, Chuck Rodgers, Guy Rodgers, Roscoe Watters, and Joshua Scheitel. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Slonecker, Walter B. Jewell, Jr., David Pinkston, Glenn Truelove, Jeffrey Collier, Roger Demastus, Kenny Latta, Steve Latta, Jimmy Rodgers, and Tommy Cook.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association online at act.alz.org.
A special thank you to the nurses and caregivers at The Pavilion-Lebanon TN, Gentiva Hospice, and most importantly to my husband, Steve Condra, for the love and care he gave my Mother and I throughout this journey.
