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Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway Chapel - Speedway

4925 West 16th. Street

Speedway, Indiana

Janice Smith Obituary

Janice "Jan" Smith

Indianapolis IN - After spending a lifetime sharing her gift of music, Janice Elaine Smith went to be with her Lord on January 20, 2021. To know Jan was to love Jan. She was known and well-liked wherever she went and had a way of making everyone feel like they are family. Jan loved to teach piano and invested herself into her students' lives. She worked at Conkle Funeral Home for 33 years and considered it her mission to have absolutely any song a family might want in the back of her van. She was also the music minister and choir director at Clayton Presbyterian Church and was famous for making them run through that song "just one more time!" Jan is preceded by Rick, her loving husband of 46 years and her parents Noel & Ellen Harrison. She is survived by her four children, Suzie Gaither, Daniel (Carol) Smith, Douglas Smith, and David (Heather) Smith and her seven grandchildren, Jacob (Naomi), Sarah, Rachel, Caleb, Sydney, Rebecca and Luke. Jan is also survived by her two sisters, Phyllis (Rick) Walters and Nancee (Steven) Jackson. Visitation will be at Conkle Funeral Home - Speedway Chapel on Wednesday, January 27, 2021 at 11:00am - 1:00pm. Funeral services immediately follow at 1pm. Jan will be interned at West Ridge Park Cemetery. Online condolences may be shared at www.conklefuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Indianapolis Star from Jan. 22 to Jan. 24, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Janice Smith

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Rebecca Schrock

January 27, 2021

Mrs. Smith was a sweet and loving soul. I will remember her and your father fondly. We had some fun times for sure. My deepest condolences to you Suzie and your entire family during this difficult time. Hold onto the great memories for the are indeed precious.

Marilyn Hall

January 27, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Ken Lovko

January 27, 2021

My 1:1 contacts with Jan were limited, as I mostly saw her and interacted with her briefly during my daughter's piano recitals, I did get the opportunity to talk with her quite a bit at my older daughter, Brittany's, wedding as she was seat at my table. She was such a warm and engaging person, and I won't forget that time. More importantly, though, she was like an additional grandparents to my two daughters, who both would later share how they spent half their lessons just talking with Jan. I think that connection was as beneficial to my girls as the actual piano instruction. It's sad to see such a gracious person gone.

Morgan Crawford

January 26, 2021

My sincere condolences for the loss of Mrs. Jan. She was an extraordinary woman and an excellent piano teacher. I will always remember my lessons with her fondly. Mrs. Jan was patient, kind, and compassionate. My prayers are with her family and loved ones.

Terilyn Crawford

January 26, 2021

Jan was a wonderful person and teacher! She inspired my daughter Morgan to be the great pianist she is today. She will be missed by all she came in contact with throughout her life!

Joseph Essex

January 26, 2021

Dan, Carol and the entire Smith family, Becky and I would like to extend our sincere sympathy and condolences at this difficult time. You will always have our friendship and love to lean on.

Ron Green

January 26, 2021

Condolences to Jan's family. Rick and Jan were a special couple. May they rest in peace together. Ron and Gloria Green

Patricia Warnock

January 25, 2021

She was wonderful as a person and piano teacher. She taught piano to my two sons and did so enthusiastically - it was a treat having conversation with her. Her personality was contagious - and love of laughter explains her totally. A true talent - a true person that will be missed❤❤❤❤

Ken&Judy Gilenwater

January 25, 2021

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Cindi (Perkins) McGinley

January 25, 2021

I grew up in Indianapolis and still remember taking piano lessons from Jan back in the late 70's/early 80's! She was without a doubt my favorite piano teacher. I remember taking lessons at her house and how she made the lessons so much fun! I still remember her contagious laugh and her great sense of humor. She clearly touched the lives of so many people. What a wonder legacy she has left behind!

Betsy Bullis

January 24, 2021

I worked at J.W. Pepper for 25 years. Jan was my absolutely favorite customer. She always came breezing in like a breath of fresh air. The world is a sadder place without Jan.

Raechelle Conley

January 24, 2021

Janice it was my pleasure to know you and care for you at Wellbrooke!! Fly high my friend love you!! Love Shelly Conley-pca

Stacey Mason

January 24, 2021

My heart is broken that I never had a chance to say goodby to Janice. She was just such a hoot (her laugh!) to work with and such a dear soul. She will be much missed by me and other staff who helped care for her. My sympathy to her family

Raymond/Laura Koonce/Goode

January 24, 2021

Dan,Carol and The Entire Smith Family Please accept our Deepest Sympathies and Sincere Condolences at this Difficult Time

Roy Bedwell

January 23, 2021

Although we lived near Detroit, we spent many a summer growing up in Indiana at our Grandmother's place for Family reunions. The Harrison Family with their 3 daughters (Janice, Phyllis, & Nancy) always entertained us with piano and song. My sister (Gwen) had a special bond with Janice until her passing in 1987. Later, Rick & Janice kept in touch and had a Reunion at their home a while back. Jan was fun loving ( a laugh that could be heard for miles) and loved her Family as much as anyone could. Her voice was could not be mistaken and I talked to her around Christmas. Heaven is better off with her now and she has no more pain or confinement. Her children returned all the love she gave them and made every right decision when it came to Jan health. Rick and the rest of the Family will welcome her into the gates of heaven with open arms. Weep not for her, she is free and will always be watching over her Family until the time when we will be together again . We send Love, Respect, & understanding to the Smith clan as they gather at this time. You are in our hearts always, Roy & Gayle Bedwell

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Memorial Events
for Janice Smith

Jan

27

Visitation

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway Chapel - Speedway

4925 West 16th. Street, Speedway, IN 46224

Jan

27

Funeral service

1:00 p.m.

Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway Chapel - Speedway

4925 West 16th. Street, Speedway, IN 46224

Funeral services provided by:

Conkle Funeral Home, Speedway Chapel - Speedway

4925 West 16th. Street, Speedway, IN 46224

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