Mary Jane Smith

Mary Jane Kunkler Smith, 82, of Bradenton, Florida died peacefully on Saturday, February 25, 2023. Mrs. Smith was born January 29, 1941 in Kansas City, Missouri, the daughter of Mary and Jim Kunkler. She is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 50 years, Stephen Smith.

Mrs. Smith graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in education in 1962. She was a member of the Delta Delta Delta sorority. Mrs. Smith worked as a schoolteacher in theMiddletown (Ohio) City Schools before retiring and moving to Lexington, Kentucky.

She and her husband relocated to Bradenton in 1999 where they became active in both the community and in the church.

Mrs. Smith was a member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood, a philanthropic organization supporting women's higher education. She served as president of Chapter K, Lexington and Chapter GI, Bradenton. She was also a past state president of the Kentucky State Chapter of P.E.O.

Mrs. Smith was a dedicated alumna of the University of Missouri. She supported innovative programs and initiatives of the College of Education. She was a member of the Jefferson Club serving two terms on the Board of Trustees. She was also a supporter of the Library Society.

Mrs. Smith was a member of Kirkwood Presbyterian Church and most recently Trinity United Methodist Church. She enjoyed singing in church choirs her entire life. Hymns and anthemsenriched her faith life, singing praises to the Lord up until the final days of her life. Known for herwarmth, generosity, and gentleness, Mrs. Smith touched countless lives and leaves a legacy of countless friendships throughout the country.

Perhaps her greatest treasure, though, was and is her family. She is also survived by her daughter Ann Evans Self of Bradenton and Cashiers, NC, her son Kenneth Smith (Robin) of Tallahassee, and daughter Lacy Buchanan (Doug) of The Villages. In addition, she is survived by eight grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The family wishes to thank her doctors and nurses at Westside Medical, Florida Cancer Specialists, Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa and Tidewell Hospice. They also want to acknowledge theoutstanding and compassionate caregivers in her home, especially Lisa Renee Adams.

Services will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 at Trinity United Methodist Church the Rev. Rick Starrett and Rev. John Foulkrod officiating. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday,March 4 at the Riverview Cemetery in Jefferson City, Missouri.

Shannon Funeral Home, Bradenton, and Millard Family Chapels, Jefferson City, are serving the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts to either Solve Maternity Homes of Bradenton, solvehomes.org, the University of Missouri College of Education Teach Abroad Program, giving.missouri.edu, or the charity of your choice.