Helen Jean Smith

Helen Jean Smith, 97, of Oglethorpe, GA, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 30, 2026, at her residence, surrounded by her loving family. A memorial service will be held Sunday, February 8, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Mt. Zion–St. Luke Lutheran Church. Rev. Audra Gehler will officiate. A private family committal will follow in the Oglethorpe City Cemetery.

Helen was born on December 10, 1928, in McRae-Helena, GA, to the late Bartow and Maybelle Brown. She grew up in Montezuma, GA, and graduated from Montezuma High School in 1945. She and her high school sweetheart, George Smith, eloped to North Carolina just before he was to report for duty with the United States Navy. Their love story spanned an extraordinary seventy-nine years and remained a beautiful example of devotion and commitment.

Helen was a dedicated wife, mother, and homemaker whose first priority was always her family. In her early married years, she was employed with Mitchem’s Department Store. Later, she became an integral part of the family business, George Smith Realty, where she worked faithfully alongside her husband.

A devoted member of Mt. Zion–St. Luke Lutheran Church, Helen was also a member of the Macon County Garden Club. She was known for her exceptional cooking and her ability to prepare a bountiful meal at a moment’s notice—always ready to welcome family and friends with warmth and generosity. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Linda Rodgers, in 2017.

Survivors include her husband, George Glenn Smith, and her daughter, Jenny Brannen, both of Oglethorpe, GA; her grandchildren, Glenn Brannen of Macon, GA, Maggie (Westley) Vallotton, and Betsy (Jacob) Vickers, all of Valdosta, GA; and her great-grandchildren, Kathleen Vallotton, Edward Vallotton, and Preston Vickers, all of Valdosta, GA.

The family will receive friends at the church from 1:30 pm until 2:00 pm prior to the service on Sunday.

Those desiring may make memorial contributions in memory of Helen to Mt. Zion–St. Luke Lutheran Church, 401 Randolph Street, Oglethorpe, GA 31068.