Jean Smith

A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Joyce Jean Ailene Bolton Smith met her Lord and Savior on February 22, 2026, at the age of 95, leaving behind a legacy of love, faith, and gentle strength.

The visitation will be Friday, February 27, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until 11:00 A.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. The funeral service will follow at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home with Bro. Troy Carter an Bro. Brad Wright officiating. Burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery, Steens, MS. Lowndes Funeral Home is entrusted with all arrangements.

Born on July 24, 1930, in Columbus, MS to Sydney and Olive Bolton, she was the cherished baby of ten children. Growing up in a large family shaped her nurturing spirit and deep devotion to those she loved. She graduated from Lee High School and went on to attend nursing school at East Mississippi Junior College.

Her caring heart and servant spirit were evident even in her early years. On June 7, 1948, she married the love of her life, James David “Jimmy” Smith. They shared 31 devoted years of marriage until the Lord called Jimmy home. She worked faithfully as a homemaker and at McClelland’s, American Bosch, and McRae’s Department Store. No matter where she served, her true calling was caring for others. A longtime member of Bethel Baptist Church, her faith was the cornerstone of her life.

She was known as a gentle soul, a wonderful cook, and a nurturer to every child in her family. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, her hugs were healing, and her love knew no bounds. She found joy in simple beauties - lighthouses, butterflies, ladybugs, and gazing at the moon - gentle reminders of hope, transformation, and God’s steady light.

She is survived by her five children: Ronald “Ronnie” (Donna) Smith of Steens, MS; Pat (Danny) Nickoles of Caledonia, MS; Dianne (the late Jay) Tomlinson of Panama City, FL; James “Rusty” (Brenda) Smith of Prattville, AL; and Judy (the late Johnny) Wright of Steens, MS. She also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, and 10 great-great-grandchildren who will carry her love forward for generations to come.

The family extends special thanks to her devoted nurses - Anna Claire, Frances, and Shanta, as well as Community Hospice and Dr. John King, whose compassionate care meant so much.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons - Todd Nickoles, Jody Smith, Toby Nickoles, Eric Smith, Brad Wright, Rowdy Smith, and J.T. Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be her great-grandsons.

Her life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, and unconditional love. She will be deeply missed and forever treasured.