PORTSMOUTH—On Monday, November 27, 2023, Jesus called his faithful servant Nora Jeannette "Jean" Spradlin Smith to her heavenly home.  Jean was born in Roanoke, VA in April 1929, the youngest of eight children, to the late William Terry and Mae Frances Spradlin. Also preceding her in death were her seven siblings and their spouses: William Terry Spradlin (Mary); Frank Watts Spradlin (Frances); Louise Shepherd (Howard); Alice Huff (Harry); Johnny Spradlin (Pete); Douglas Spradlin, who was killed on Saipan in WWII, and infant Elsie Marie Spradlin.

Jean graduated from William Byrd High School in 1947; soon after, she and the love of her life, Ed Smith, married. They relocated to Milwaukee, WI, where Ed attended the Milwaukee School of Engineering on the GI Bill following his US Navy service, returning to Vinton after his graduation as an electrical engineer. Jean held numerous professional positions and owned two small businesses over the years, but her priorities were her family and her faith. Before moving to Portsmouth, Jean was a lifelong member of Vinton Baptist Church.

Ed was called to heaven in 2001. They were inseparable for 57 years, and Jean missed him every day since his passing. We know he greeted her joyfully when she entered heaven's gate. What a blessing that must have been.

After Ed's passing in 2001, Jean relocated from her home in Vinton, VA to Portsmouth, VA to be near family. She joined Court Street Baptist Church the following Sunday after relocating, going on to serve as President of the Sunday School Class, and was chosen as the first lady deacon in Court Street's then 218-year history. Volunteer and philanthropic activities kept her busy after moving to Portsmouth. She volunteered at Maryview Hospital for over 15 years with more than 1500 hours of service. As a member of the women's auxiliary at church, the women made hundreds of hand-crafted bears for hospitalized children. The HER shelter and other local homeless charities were recipients of over 100 afghan blankets Jean crocheted while watching TV in the evenings. ("I have to keep my hands busy.") During colder weather, her handmade scarves were handed out during the church's Wednesday food kitchen.

Left to treasure her memory are her loving daughter Terri Smith Hayden and son-in-law Buddy Hayden of Zuni, VA; grandson Trey Hayden of Alexandria, VA; and granddaughter Dr. Kelsey Hayden of Bothell, WA. Jean is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members.

The family will be available to greet friends at the Court Street Baptist Church sanctuary from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 30, immediately followed by a casual Celebration of Life in the church at 11:00. Guests are invited to join the family for a reception in the church social hall after the service.

We are grateful to the members of Court Street Baptist Church and Court Street Academy for hosting our services on November 30 and honoring Jean's memory with a reception. A graveside service and interment at Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton, VA will follow at a later date, handled by Oakey's Funeral Home in Vinton. Condolences may be registered at BWFosterFuneralHome.com.