Janey Louise (Gripp) Smith Obituary

Janey Smith, 87, of Anderson, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026, in her home after a brief battle with cancer. Graveside service celebrating her life will be at 11:00 am, Friday, April 11, 2026, at Oak Park Cemetery in Alvin, TX where she will be laid to rest alongside her husband, Vodie La Von Smith. Services are in the care of Nobles Funeral Chapel of Navasota, TX.

Janey was born to her parents, Bernard and Marguerite Palmer Gripp, on September 11, 1938, in Texas City. Being the oldest girl in the family, Janey gained and nurtured her love, care and devotion to family and friends. She loved making friends with the many family connections that were discovered from family research. Also, her 25 years of exercising with water aerobics made her many friends that enriched her life.

Her love of family led Janey to genealogy research and later into membership in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Another of her greatest joys was travelling around this country. She did it all: semitruck, motorcycle, car and plane. Always seeking the beauty of nature, her favorite finds were Sedona, the Columbia River Gorge, and Hawaii, which she would enthusiastically recommend to all friends and family.

Her love of nature also led her to her long time home on a hilltop farm in Anderson with amazing sunsets, beautiful winding roads, wildflowers and the space to cultivate flower bulbs that were passed from friend to friend through generations.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and many beloved brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Mason (James), her son, Adrian Smith; grandsons Daniel Ziperovich (Helen) and Thomas Ziperovich (Colleen). Brothers Kenneth Mitchell (Bonnie) and Bernard Gripp (Althea) and sisters Leona Mitchell, Thresa Williams (Walter), and Sharon LeBouef. She will also be remembered by her many nieces, nephews, a whole bunch of cousins and her devoted 4-legged companion, Gracie.

Janey was of the Baptist faith.

In loving memory of Janey, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.