Nora Jean Smith

Nora Jean Smith, 94, of New Philadelphia died in Union Hospital at Dover Friday evening, Sept. 28, 2007.Born Nov. 3, 1912, she was a daughter of the late Elmer and Sally (Hutchinson) Bean. Following graduation from New Philadelphia High School, she married Harold Smith, on Sept. 16, 1934. Harold and Nora Jean spent the next 59 years together until his death March 6, 1994.Jean’s life was centered on family activities that involved her five children. Together, they enjoyed camping at Atwood Lake and participating in church activities at Otterbein United Methodist Church, where she was a lifelong member. Jean and her late husband were instrumental in the founding of Starlight School Â? and were longtime supporters of causes advancing the enrichment of those with mental retardation and developmental disabilities. Jean also volunteered as a Gray Lady at Union Hospital for many years. In addition to her membership at the church, Nora Jean was also an honorary life member of the Alpha Pi Sigma sorority.Jean is survived by her children including Sally Smith and Jane (husband Bob) Gerber, both of New Philadelphia, and her son, John (Tracie) Smith of Dover; her daughter-in-law, Marcia Williams of Michigan; grandchildren, Jonathan Gerber of Las Vegas and David Gerber of Charlotte, N.C., Dawn (Chris) Ravine of Dover, Erik (Michelle) Smith of Canal Fulton, Amy Smith of New Philadelphia, Andy Smith of Dover, Jeralea (Bill) Ebmyer and Beth LaRocco, both of Nevada, Kathy (Brent) Jarrett and Barb (Zubin) Bharucha, both of Michigan; 16 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by two children, Julie Ann Smith and Jerry Smith, two brothers and four sisters. Friends are invited to call Monday, Oct. 1, 2007, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia where a service celebrating Jean’s life led by the Rev. Kelly Brown will be held in the funeral home’s chapel Tuesday morning at 10:30. Burial alongside her husband will follow the service in East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Friends and family are invited to the Geib Family Center, adjacent to the funeral home, where a luncheon will follow the committal service.The Smith family requests that memorial contributions be made to Otterbein United Methodist Church, 156 Beaver Ave. NE, New Philadelphia, O. 44663.