Emma “Jean” (Baumgarner) Smith

Emma “Jean” Smith, age 90 of Grand Haven, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2024, at Christian Haven Home. She was born on August 2, 1933, in Beedeville, AR to the late Chester and Ethel (McElyea) Baumgarner. Jean married James L. Smith, March 14, 1953, in Arkansas. He preceded her in death on June 11, 2017, after 64 years of a happy marriage.

Jean grew up in Beedeville and in 1955, she moved from McCrory, Arkansas, to Grand Haven. She was employed at Kent Products from 1955 to 1987, and then at the Days Inn from 1989 to 2009.

Jean and Jim spent many years camping before becoming snowbirds for 20 years in New Port Richie, Florida. Jean was a member of First Christian Reformed Church in Grand Haven, and she enjoyed cooking, going to garage sales, and attending flea markets.

Jean is lovingly remembered and missed by her by daughter, Ronda DeYoung of Grand Haven; two grandchildren, Shelby DeYoung Turowski (Todd) of Livonia, MI, and Jason DeYoung of Windermere, FL; two great-grandsons, Brayden and Cameron Turowski of Livonia, MI; her brother, Mack Baumgarner of Grand Haven; sister-in-law, Donnie (Don) Sisney of McCrory, AR; many beloved nieces and nephews; and special friends, Tom and Jane French.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, James; sisters, Theresa Schulte and Alice Baumgarner; four brothers: Eugene, Billy, Leon, and Ken Baumgarner; and sisters-in-law: Opal, Carrie, and Marion Baumgarner.

A Graveside Service for Jean will take place at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at Lake Forest Cemetery, with Pastor Art Van Wolde officiating.

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