DONNA JEAN SMITH

On June 12, 2025, at the age of 86, our beautiful and precious gem, Donna Jean Smith, peacefully entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior. Although our hearts are heavy and we greatly miss her presence, we rejoice in the promise of eternal life and celebrate her reunion in heaven.
“I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness.” Psalm 17:15b
“For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come” Hebrews 13:14
Donna was born to Malcom and Sophie (Langolf) Orchard in Port Huron, Michigan on June 23, 1938. She graduated from Hazel Park High School in 1956. Donna met the love of her life, Orvel Dean Smith, while both were employed at Henry’s Five & Dime Store in Hazel Park, Michigan. They married on December 14, 1956.
Donna was very gifted with an extensive collection of skilled and meaningful talents. She had loving hands, which made an array of wonderful breads and her beloved cinnamon rolls. Her bread-making expertise even earned a blue ribbon at the Michigan State Fair in 1983. During the 70s and 80s, she created and hand-painted award-winning reproduction porcelain dolls. She was also meticulous at crafting quilt block designs and mastered the old-fashioned way of soap making. After her four children were of school age, she attended Shapero School of Nursing, earning her LPN credentials. She was an avid collector of antiques and unique treasures, old and new. With her jar of quarters in tow, her children and grandchildren learned how to be frugal and negotiate a fair deal at garage sales. Donna was an inquisitive and ardent reader, always with purpose and the intent to gain knowledge.
Born to Donna and Orvel Smith are four surviving children: Kim (Berrah) Brown of Ash Grove, Missouri, Cary (Michael) Marrs of Davison, Michigan, Timothy (Kim) Smith of Warren, Michigan and Bary (Suzette) Smith of West Branch, Michigan; seven grandchildren: Ruth Kleast, Amy Fomish, Berrah (Taylor) Brown, Jr., Jenny Brown, Ben (Monica) Smith, Jacob Smith and Megan Smith; nine great-grandchildren: Berrah Mac Brown, Chase Brown, Chelsye Graham, Josie Brown, Jasper Brown, Jaycee Garber, Grayson Smith, Zachary Smith and Noah Smith; and her sister, Barbara (Phil) Smith of Sterling Heights, Michigan.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orvel Dean Smith; her parents, Malcom Dale and Sophie (Langolf) Orchard; stepmother, Wanda Orchard; and grandson, Benjamin Dean Brown.
“Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.” Proverbs 31:10
Per Donna’s wishes, a private burial service will be held at a later date. Interment will be at Sinking Creek Cemetery in Everton, Missouri.