Obituary: Viola Jane Jantz Smith

Viola Jane Jantz Smith

Funeral services for Viola Jane Jantz Smith were held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at Leland Mennonite Church. Burial was in the church cemetery. Local arrangements were under the direction of Boone Funeral Home, Leland, Mississippi.

Viola Jane Jantz Smith (Granny), was born on October 22, 1936, in Fairview, Oklahoma, to Henry and Matilda Jantz. She peacefully passed away in her sleep on October 15, 2026, at her home in Oakwood Manor, Brooksville, Mississippi, just one week before her 90th birthday.

Viola’s childhood days were spent on the family farm with her parents and five sisters, milking cows and gardening. She received her formal education at Standard School in rural Fairview.

Viola surrendered her will to the Lord, and, upon the confession of her faith, was baptized into the Church of God in Christ, Mennonite, on March 19, 1950. She lived her life in a conscientious manner and remained faithful to her baptismal vows until the end.

On July 23, 1977, Viola was joined in marriage to Paul Smith in Fairview, Oklahoma. She welcomed Paul and his four sons into her life, bringing much happiness and security to the family. They made their home in Leland, Mississippi, where they shared 27 years of married life before Paul’s passing in 2004.

Viola’s life was marked by a willingness to serve and care for others. In her younger years, she expressed this caring spirit by looking after children, nursing, and tending to the needs of the elderly. A particularly meaningful chapter of her life were the years she spent in Tulsa, Oklahoma, preparing meals in a voluntary service unit and working in a local hospital.

Following their marriage, Viola worked alongside Paul on the farm in Washington County, Mississippi. After retirement, they enjoyed traveling together, spending many happy times camping, fishing, and visiting family.

Viola was a friendly and gracious person who earned the respect of those who knew her. She was a giver rather than a taker, always willing to do for others. She possessed a quiet strength, meeting life’s challenges without complaint. She was known for her efficiency and orderly ways, qualities that were evident in all she undertook.

After Paul’s passing in 2004, Viola continued to make her home in Leland, Mississippi, where she found joy in caring for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In June 2022, Viola moved to Oakwood Manor in Brooksville, Mississippi, where she lived till her passing.

Those left with treasured memories are one stepson: Denton Smith of Sunflower, Mississippi; three daughters-in-law: Marilyn Smith (Doug) of Leland, Mississippi, Nona Becker (Merle) and her husband Arlen, of Canton, Kansas, and Starla Smith (Max) of Yale, South Dakota; 10 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; and one sister: Jaletta Yost.

She was preceded in death by her husband, three stepsons, an infant granddaughter, her parents, four sisters, and five brothers-in-law.