Jennifer Jean Smith, 71, of Gilson, Illinois, died at 1:47 A.M. on Sunday, October 30, 2022, at home with her family by her side.
She was born May 16, 1951, in Galesburg, the daughter of William Amos and Betty Elouis (Cramer) Jefferson. Jennifer graduated from Galesburg High School in 1969. She spent her life as a homemaker. Jennifer married Charles Smith on July 2, 1971, in Knoxville, Illinois.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 51 years, Charles Smith of Gilson; two sons, Troy (Emily) Smith of Monmouth, Illinois, and Steeven (Tina) Smith of Galesburg; seven grandchildren: Bradley Smith, Spencer Smith, Lindsey Smith, Bailey Smith, Zach Hewins, Logan Wade, Easton Brunswig, and Brandon (Carly) Wade; and two great-grandchildren, Aiden and Casey. Also surviving are three brothers, Jerry (Lori) Jefferson of Medford, Oregon, Jeff (Sue) Jefferson of Gilson, and John Jefferson of New London, Iowa; and a sister, Jolene (Charles) Rickey of Galesburg. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Joan Williams; and a brother, Jack Jefferson.
Jennifer loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed watching her granddaughters play ball and vacationing to Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Jennifer was a diehard Chicago Cubs fan.
Cremation will be accorded. Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory in Galesburg. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.
