Laura Jean Smith

August 7, 1945 - December 16, 2017

Laura Jean Smith August 7, 1945 - December 16, 2017 Jean was born August 7, 1945 in Springfield, Missouri to Arzie Fay and Madge Irene Walters. Jean passed away December 16, 2017 at 9:45 pm in St Helens, Oregon from complications of several medical problems, including advanced dementia. She was 72 years old. Jean attended McBride Elementary School and graduated from St Helens High School in 1963. She was a self-employed Licensed Tax Consultant and Accountant for many years. In 1990 she went to work for her friend and classmate Larry Olson as a bookkeeper and eventually became a property manager. Jean was an active, faithful member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in St Helens, where she was the piano player for many years, taught Sunday School, Choir Director, VBS Director, and loved to sing including specials solo, trio and quartet arrangements. Jean’s hobbies include hunting, fishing, camping, flower gardening, bowling, crochet, playing pinochle, canning and sewing. Jean is survived by her husband of 51 years, Gerald Eugene Smith, daughters, Tammy Smith and Terri Hubbard, grandsons, Jesse Gilbert and Derick Gilbert, granddaughter Kayla Leatherman, great-granddaughter, Lauren Gilbert, of St Helens, brothers, Robert (Luanna) Walters of Ilwaco, Washington and Arzie "Jim" (Ann) Walters of Mossyrock, Washington. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Jean was preceded in death by her parents Arzie and Madge Walters, and son-in law, Shawn Leatherman. There will be a Viewing held at Columbia Funeral Home, Saturday December 23, 2017. Private/Family 1:00 pm, Public 1:30 - 3:00 pm. A Funeral Service will be held at St Helens Missionary Baptist Church, December 30, 2017 at 1:30 pm with potluck meal to follow, 2625 Gable Rd, St Helens, Oregon. Please sign our online guestbook at www.columbiafh.com.