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 an active member of the Macon County Garden Club for more than 50 years, where she served in numerous leadership roles. Affectionately known as “Nana,” she was cherished for her exceptional cooking and her remarkable ability to prepare a generous meal at a moment’s notice. Her home was always open, and she welcomed family and friends with warmth, grace, and boundless hospitality. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bartow and Maybelle Brown; her siblings; and her eldest daughter, Linda Smith Rodgers.

She is survived by her loving husband, George Glenn Smith, and her daughter, Jennifer Kay Brannan, both of Oglethorpe, Georgia; three grandchildren, William “Glenn” (Catharine) Brannan of Macon, Georgia; Maggie (Wesley) Vallotton and Betsy Vickers Allen, both of Valdosta, Georgia; and six great-grandchildren, George Bishop and Robert Wade Brannan of Macon, Georgia; Kathleen Warner and Edward Smith Vallotton, and Preston Tate Vickers and Thomas Glenn Allen, all of Valdosta, Georgia.

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.