Jennifer Smith

Jennifer Lynn (Albee) Smith, 57, of St. Joseph, passed away after a brief illness with cancer on Monday, March 12, 2018, at her home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, March 17, 2018, at The Chapel, 4250 Washington Ave., St. Joseph, MI with Pastor Phil Bubar officiating.  Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Friday, March 16, 2018, at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, MI. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to The Chapel (for Music Ministry) or to the family in care of Greg Smith.  Those wishing to send a condolence or sign the guest book may do so online at www.starks-menchinger.com. Jennifer was born on November 24, 1960, in Akron, OH.  She was the Lakeshore High School class of 1979 salutatorian.  She then went on to receive her Associate’s Degree in Medical Records from Ferris State College.  On July 19, 1980, she married Greg Smith at Zion Evangelical United Church of Christ in St. Joseph.  Jennifer worked as a medical transcriptionist for over 30 years while educating her three children at home.  She was a member of The Chapel, singing in the choir and on the praise team. Jennifer enjoyed healthy living and was an avid reader. Jennifer will be remembered as a sweet, gentle woman who could rarely be caught without a beautiful smile.  She instinctively put the needs of others ahead of her own. In her last weeks, Jennifer encouraged friends and family with her faith.  She was eager to meet her Lord face to face in her eternal home. We can say with confidence she fought the good fight, she has finished the race, she has kept the faith. Jennifer is survived by her husband of 37 years, Greg; children, Michael (Ana) Smith of St. Joseph, Kevin Smith of Austin, TX, and Laura (Jeff) Sackett of St. Joseph; mother, Marjorie (Edwin) Frohbieter; brothers, Dennis Albee and Douglas (Jody) Albee; sisters, Jeannette (David) Cooke and Jill (Mark) Lange; stepbrothers, Greg (Joelle) Frohbieter and Jeff Frohbieter; stepsister, Stephanie (Larry) Spillane; father-in-law, Gerald Smith; brother-in-law, Doug (JoAnn) Smith; sister-in-law, Debbie (Rich) Barrows and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other relatives.  She was preceded in death by her father, Richard Albee, and mother-in-law, Beverly Smith.