Jane Henley Smith

Jane Henley Miller Smith, age 71, of Asheboro died Tuesday, June 21, 2016 at her home. Mrs. Smith was born November 19, 1944 in Asheboro. She loved children and always wanted to grow up and be a teacher. In 1963 Jane entered Application State Teacher's College, her best friend, Della Rose Ryan, went with her. Friends since the first grade, Della Rose was still by her side the day before she passed. In 1967 Jane graduated with her degree in Elementary Education. For the next 32 years, she earned the reputation of an excellent, loving, no-nonsense educator; she retired from Farmer School in 1998. Jane was a talented artist, gardener, and historical scrap-booker. She was quiet and reserved. She, however, was attracted to outgoing, kind, genuine, mischievous people who loved to affectionately joke with her; her bashful grin indicated she didn't mind their attention. The last days of her life were a testament to the relationships she had cultivated over the years: her husband of 42 yrs was by her side as were family, friends, church members, and her minister. Jane shared a special connection with her grandson; they held this connection until the moment she past. A special thank you is extended by the family to Rhonda York and Wilo Dean Powell for being excellent and devoted caregivers. She is survived by her husband of 42 years, J.D. Smith; daughter, Jennifer Lane Tuten and husband Chris M. Tuten of Asheville; grandson, Rylan D Tuten of Asheville; sister, Doris Jean Miller of Asheboro; brother, Syndey Leon Miller of Shreveport, LA. Pall Bearers include: J.D. Smith (husband), Rylan Tuten (grandson), Joey and Charles Prefontaine (first cousins), Kellie Johnson (niece) and Grey Johnson (nephew). The family will receive friends Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 12 noon-1:45 pm at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue, Asheboro. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM in the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Pat Thames officiating. Burial will be in Oaklawn Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Randolph, P.O. Box 9, Asheboro, NC 27204-0009 or Asheboro Friends Meeting, P. O. Box 987, Asheboro, NC 27203.