Jennie Lea Smith

Jennie Lea Wensel Smith passed away peacefully at her home in Yukon, OK on May 16, 2024. Despite facing numerous health challenges, she remained positive and demonstrated admirable resilience.

Jennie was born September 13, 1944, in Delano, CA.  She grew up in Union City, OK, and later attended Oklahoma State University. In April 1965, she married Marvin Smith, and together they had three children. Jennie dedicated herself to her family, staying home with her children untilthey started school. She was always supportive, attending every game and school event.

For 30 years, Jennie taught English at Yukon High School, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year in 1998. After retiring in 2006, she developed a passion for travel, exploring many parts of the country with a particular fondness for the Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls.

Jennie was a dedicated member of St. John's Nepomuk Catholic Church, where she led the book club and engaged in various activities.  Known for her creativity and thoughtfulness, she had a knack for finding the perfect gifts.  An exceptional cook, she was celebrated for her chocolate sheet cake, caramel popcorn, and pistachio pudding.

An avid sports fan, especially of basketball, Jennie enthusiastically followed March Madness, often watching games simultaneously on multiple devices. She had a deep love for OSU, the Thunder, and the Celtics. Additionally, she was passionate about reading and watching mysteries, and she had a profound appreciation for art and poetry, enjoying works ranging from American classics like Walden to those by Dorothy Parker.

Jennie adored her granddaughter, Sophia, visiting her every day for the first six months of her life and spoiling her with love and attention. This daily devotion forged a special bond between them. One of Jennie's proudest moments was seeing Sophia graduate from OCU Law School, a goal she had cherished and a testament to her pride in Sophia's accomplishments.

Jennie was preceded in death by her biological father, Robert Wensel; her parents, Meryl and Dorothy Morrison; her brother, Cletus Morrison; her sister, Kathy McArthur; her nephew, Ben Morrison; and her grandson, Tyler Smith.

She is survived by her children, Cheryl Smith and Aimee McCracken, Troy and Kathy Smith, and Andrea Xeriland; her granddaughter, Sophia Smith; her brother, Vincent and his wife Joy Morrison; her brother-in-law, Frank McArthur; and numerous nieces, nephews, and their families, including Alex Morrison, Sydney Morrison, David Smith, Martha Allen, and Barry Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Compassionate Sharing. https://www.compassionatesharingyukon.com/

Viewing will be held at 11:00 a.m. - 6:15 p.m., Monday, May 20, 2024, followed by a Vigil service at 6:30 p.m., at the Yanda & Son Funeral Home Chapel. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 21, at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, Yukon, OK, with interment following at the Yukon Cemetery.