Janis Ann “Jan” Legendre Smith, 82, of LaPlace, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025. She was born on August 2, 1943, in Thibodaux, Louisiana, and for the past 52 years made her home in LaPlace. Throughout her life, Jan was known for her kindness, strength, and her deep love of serving others. She found joy in music and painting, and she was a world traveler who delighted in visiting her daughters wherever in the world they lived. She also nurtured a large collection of cookbooks, reflecting her love of learning and sharing meals with those she loved. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, her faith guided her life and inspired her to serve selflessly, finding purpose in her church community and giving her time and talents to help others. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Thomas “Tom” Smith, who passed on July 26, 1998. Together they built a family rooted in faith, love, service, and resilience. She is also preceded in death by her parents, Murphy Joseph Legendre and Iola Marie Theriot; and her siblings, Sharon Hernandez (Frank) and Leonard Legendre (June). She is survived by her daughters, Jaimee Lee Smith Kesterson Clayton (Kristopher) and Jennifer Smith Brunet. She was a devoted grandmother to Thomas, Zachary (Zak), Janelle, and Natalee Kesterson, and Amber Clayton Bassett (Benjamin) and Angela Clayton, as well as great grandson Elijah, who will remember her for her gentleness, steady encouragement, and unwavering love.
August 2, 1943 - August 18, 2025
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 15 Palmetto Drive, LaPlace, Louisiana. A viewing will begin at 9:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. The service will also be streamed live for those unable to attend in person. On Tuesday, August 26, Jan, along with her husband Tom, will be laid to rest at Mobile Memorial Gardens in Mobile, Alabama. Graveside services will be held at 12:30 p.m.
