Janell Smith

Janell Smith, 71, of Idalou, Texas entered the arms of Jesus on December 15, 2021. Janell was born June 24, 1950, in Jacksonville, TX to Nelwyn Sherman. A love of a lifetime began in 1968 between a high school senior and a handsome sailor. Following several rides in a 1965 Mustang and a series of letter-writing for several years, this true love affair was solidified. On Friday, January 22nd, 1971 "Sissie" and "Scratch" were wed in a small ceremony at the First Baptist Church in Petersburg, Texas. James DeWitt Smith and Betty Janell Smith celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2021. Janell's education included graduating from San Benito High School in 1968 and immediately entering the Lubbock School of Vocational Nurses program graduating with her degree as a Licensed Vocational Nurse on Friday, August 29th, 1969 as part of the 37th class. Janell sacrificed pursuing her education to raise her four children. In 1998 those four adult children along with their father and many other family members proudly witnessed Janell graduate from the Methodist School of Nursing with the well-earned title of Registered Nurse. Janell saw many changes during her 40 years of service at Methodist/Covenant Hospital. Throughout her time she worked in MICU, SICU, and found her home within the Dialysis unit. The way Janell would speak to and treat her patients was a true radiance of her love for Jesus Christ. Janell was the kind of nurse that would take care of her patients as if they were her very own family. Janell's favorite places to be were on South Padre Island, sipping a cup of coffee with James on their back porch or attending any event that one of her 13 grandchildren was competing in. Janell leaves behind her husband and best friend, James Smith; one son, Dan Smith and wife Rose Smith; eldest daughter Dawn Vandygriff and husband Philip Vandygriff of Snyder; middle daughter and co-worker of 20 years Anne Galicia and husband Robert Galicia of Lubbock; and her sweet baby daughter Alexa Pacheco of Lubbock and husband Moses Pacheco of Lubbock. Sisters Laura Anciso and Kathleen Davis of Idalou and brother Cliff Ladd of Lubbock. Janell was preceded in death by her parents Nell and Red Ladd, eldest brother Rusty Ladd and her "baby" brother David Ladd. Being a Nanny was one of Janell's greatest joys in life. Janell took absolute pride in watching her grandsons play football, baseball, basketball, or soccer, attending her grandaughter's dance recitals, or simply enjoying one another's company at a tea party. Traveling far and wide to catch as many games as possible! From the court to the stage, Nanny always had her camera ready and a bouquet of beautiful flowers for her favorite dancers. Whether it be academics or sports Nanny loved every second of watching her grandchildren succeed. Memories of Nanny will be held in the hearts of her grandchildren: Stephen and Stephanie Smith of Lubbock Zane and Talon Vandygriff of Snyder Robert, Summer Hinojos, Syi, Seth and Shiloh Galicia of Lubbock Zariah, Journey, River, and Storie Pacheco of Lubbock Ava Rosalas of Lubbock and one great-grandchild, Olivia Hinojos of Lubbock Janell also leaves behind her dearest friend and confidant of 26 ½ beautiful years, Juile Bell of Lubbock. Janell was passionate about her family, nursing career, and her love for Jesus Christ. Scriptures found in her wedding bible included, 1 Thessalonians 5:18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. Romans 10:13 For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Memorial gifts can be made to the Covenant Health Foundation for the Covenant Cares Fund at 3615 19th Street, Lubbock, TX 79410. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests house plants as a symbol of the love Janell and James shared for planting and chatting on the porch together. A celebration of Janell's beautiful life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at Victory Life Church in Lubbock, Texas. Pastor Ben Reid of Snyder First Baptist Church will officiate. Please celebrate the life of Janell by visiting www.sandersfuneralhome.com.

Janell Smith

June 24, 1950 - December 15, 2021