Jan Grimsley Smithey
September 16, 1945 – March 22, 2024
Jan Grimsley Smithey 78, of Leesburg, passed away March 22nd, 2024 with her family by her side. Jan was born in Americus, Georgia, September 16, 1945, to the late Roy and Lydia Sheppard Grimsley.
In 1958, she moved with her parents from Cuthbert, Georgia to Leesburg. She graduated from Leesburg High School in 1963 and attended the University of Florida. While at UF, Jan was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and Sweetheart of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. In 1967, she earned her BAE degree from UF and in 1974, her MAE degree.
Jan worked in education for 31 years as a high school and middle school teacher, gifted teacher and guidance counselor. Twenty-four of those years were with the Sumter County School System where in 1994 she was chosen the Sumter County Schools Teacher of the Year and in 1998 represented Sumter County as the Recipient of the Distinguished Educator’s Award from the University of Florida.
an was always appreciative of the outstanding Sumter County administrators, teachers and students with whom she worked. Jan was active in planning LHS Class of 63’ reunions and loved her friends, reading, photography, beach trips, music, boating and traveling.
In retirement, she and her husband enjoyed road trips to National Parks, cruises and tours of Europe and Asia. They were avid Gator fans and for many years bought football season tickets, and along with grandsons Joshua and Caleb traveled to Gainesville to cheer for the Gators and tailgate with Gator friends. She was a long-time member of Morrison Memorial Methodist Church.
Jan was blessed to have been married for 47 years to her beloved husband, Bob “Smitty” Smithey who was her “rock” through life and several cancer battles. She also leaves behind her cherished daughter, Suzette Marie James of Leesburg, FL, beloved grandsons Joshua and Caleb Leware of Leesburg and many loving cousins.
As she battled cancer, Jan was especially thankful to her friends and cousins for all their beautiful cards, love, support and prayers. She also was very appreciative to her UF doctor, Dr. Merry Jennifer Markham, for her excellent care that allowed Jan so many extra years. Jan always tried to make the most of these years, to make memories with family and friends. Jan, (Granny/Ninny), will be forever remembered for her strength and courage.
In lieu of flowers, Jan requested that memorials be made to UF Foundation, Inc. at PO Box 14425, Gainesville, FL 32604-9949 and indicate that the gift should go to the Medical Oncology Fund #F000363.
A gathering will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2024, from 10:30AM to 11:30 AM with a memorial service beginning at that time at Beyers Funeral Home Chapel, 1123 W. Main St, Leesburg, FL 34748 with Pastor David Stauffer officiating.
