Dr. Smith

Jane Stuart Smith, PhD, Inman, died March 1, 2011 at RoseCrest Retirement Community, at the age of 96. She was born in Norton, VA to Leland and Cora Smith. She was educated at Virginia Intermont College, Carson-Newman College, Vanderbilt University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, from which she earned her doctorate in Germanic studies. Jane taught German language and literature at Georgetown College and at Carson-Newman College, the home of her long career as a teacher. She spent a portion of the WWII years in Washington, DC, as a linguist and encryption decoder for the Department of Defense. She participated in college and church activities her entire adult life. Jane was an accomplished genealogist whose love of Southern history led to extensive forays into family histories including those of the Civil War. Dr. Smith was known for her sharp wit, her humor and puns, and her devotion to her students. She was a "character" who loved Jeb Stuart, Peyton Manning, and foreign cultures, including her travels to Europe. She was devoted in her faith and for many years was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jefferson City. She was preceded in death by her parents and by her sister, Anne Wharton Smith Tillett, who also earned a doctorate and established a distinguished college teaching career. Jane is survived by her three devoted nieces, Janine S. Tillett of Winston-Salem, NC, Ellen L. Tillett of Spartanburg, SC, and Lyn W. Tillett of Arden, NC, and their families. A private ceremony will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Department of Foreign Languages, c/o The Office of Advancement, Carson-Newman College, C-NC Box 72017, Jefferson City, TN, 37760. The family thanks the dedicated staffs of The Terrace Estates, Morristown, TN; RoseCrest, Spartanburg, SC; and Lutheran Hospice of Spartanburg County for their patient and kind assistance to Jane. Floyd's North Church Street Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Jane Stuart Smith please visit our Sympathy Store.