Janice Ruth Smith, 78, was born January 1, 1940 in Alamo, Tennessee to Thomas and Elnora Warren Klyce. Her parents, son, sister, and brother, all preceded her in death.

In 1943, the family moved to Haiti, Missouri. Janice was educated in the public schools of Haiti graduating in 1959 from Central High School. She attended Pioneer Community College after relocating to Kansas City, Missouri.

Janice came to Kansas City in 1960, with $10, a tin suitcase and an 11 month old baby boy, Kenny. She worked various jobs to support herself and her son including Putsch's Cafeteria, Miner Container, Farmers Insurance and AT&T Technologies (1977-1987). On July 28, 1989, she began working for Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center and remained employed at the time of her earthly departure.

Janice married Samuel P. Smith on October 9, 1975. They were married 42 years and there were no children born to this union.

Janice accepted Christ in her youth and was baptized at First Baptist Church of Alamo, Tennessee. Upon relocating to Kansas City, she became a member of True Vine Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Elbert Hyche. In 1981, she joined Haven of Rest Baptist Church under the pastorage of Reverend Nathaniel Nelson. She continued to serve the Lord and her church faithfully under the leadership of Reverend Monscenior Cunningham serving as Treasurer of the Usher Board, member of the Sunday School Adult Class, Culinary Leader for Vacation Bible School and one of the leaders of the Kitchen Committee.

Janice departed this life on Sunday, May 6, 2018, at St. Luke's Hospital East in Lee's Summit, Missouri.

Janice leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Samuel P. Smith; God-Daughters, Kalia McKinley of Houston, TX and Lauren Patton and Logan Patton of Kansas City, MO; brothers, Thomas Klyce (Rosetta) of Chicago, IL and Thomas Collins (Littie) of Memphis, TN; sisters, Stella Hall (Jesse) of Portageville, MO, Paulette Wilder (Dennis) of Memphis, TN, Cathy Faye Love (David) of Memphis, TN and Gayle Collins of Tulsa, OK; sisters-in-law, Yvonne (Cleo) Ross and Billie Jean Shaw of Kansas City, and Ella Mae Collins of Memphis, TN; special sisters, Jean House and Jeannette Eagan of Lee's Summit, MO. She also leaves her village: Fred and LaTanya Patton, Reverend Kevin and Diana Smith, Gwen McDaniel, Marshall and Hildred Butler, Jennifer Ross, LaTessa Holmes and Karen Sims, all of Kansas City along with a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.