Janet Almond Smith, the epitome of a Proverbs 31 woman, was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on June 3, 2021. Janet was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, and "Vinnie."

Janet was born on May 18, 1958 to Betty and Clyde Almond in Corsicana, Texas. Janet was an angel of a daughter whom helped care for her younger sisters Kim and Cindy and helped Betty with household tasks of cooking and cleaning. She enjoyed visiting and spending time with extended family in Dawson, Texas. The Almond family moved from Dallas, Texas to the small town of Whitewright, Texas in 1968 to put down roots in the country. Janet met Phillip Smith as an 8th grader and they became high school sweethearts. During high school, Janet was a member of FHA, part of the school annual committee reporting on Senior highlights, and was lieutenant of the drill team. Janet and Phillip married on December 19, 1975. On the 4th of July in 1976, Janet found her greatest achievement of being a mother when Chad was born.

At the age of 18, Janet began working for the 1st National Bank in Whitewright. She later worked for the dental office of Dr. Stephen A. Sullivan as a Dental Assistant. In 1984, Janet was surprised and blessed with twin girls Ashley and Amber. While raising three kids, she attended nursing school in the evenings at Grayson County Community College. Upon graduating nursing school in 1991, Janet was elected as the Best All-Around Student and was recognized for "Outstanding Service and Dedication." Janet began her 17-year dedicated and passionate nursing career in 1991 at Texoma Medical Center in Denison, Texas. While at TMC, she quickly became highly admired and respected as a nurse. Due to her charismatic personality and leadership qualities, she was asked to lead various social and community events at TMC. "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

Her beautiful face was often featured in the TMC "Team Works" magazine and you would often see her on the news discussing topics of nursing on "TMC Medical Minutes." She was then asked to be a United Way spokesperson and gave her time to organize charity campaigns, lead presentations to TMC staff, and put on her infamous "skits." "She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come."

While at TMC, she was awarded appreciation as a nurse educator due to her commitment to excellence and quality in 1994. She was also awarded appreciation for her three years of "Outstanding Leadership" for the Texoma Health Care System United Way Campaign in 1995. With Janet's ability to build relationships and lead others, her career grew fast as a nurse starting on the cardiac unit to nurse recruiter and on to becoming Director of TMC's Home Health Department. In April of 2002, Janet was awarded the Home Health Services "Soaring Eagle Award" for her "outstanding commitment to improving quality and customer service." While Janet had many accolades at TMC, her biggest accolades were in the relationships she built at work and her witness which often led many to accept Christ. "She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks."

Not only did Janet giver her all to her career, she also gave her all to others at church and in the community. Janet taught Sunday school for many years, mostly for children and young adults. She drove the bus for GA's (Girls in Action) at Whitewright First Baptist Church. When Phillip became an ordained minister in 1997, she served others diligently as a pastor's wife by coordinating church fundraisers, organizing fellowship meals, and making relationships in the community which helped build church membership. "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all."

Everyone who knew Janet talked about how beautiful she was. Janet was given the nickname "Vinnie" after Phillip thought she looked like Miss Venezuela in a Miss Universe pageant. Not many people knew she was awarded the title of Mrs. Whitewright in 1996 and went on to win 15th place out of 60 at the annual Mrs. Texas pageant in San Antonio. Janet also had internal beauty. She had a gift of making everyone feel welcomed. She was the first among others to coordinate meals or provide to others in need. She often sent cards of encouragement to others in the mail and would call people and let them know she was praying for them. If anyone came to the house, she made them a bag of drinks and snacks to take with them. She also made meals for neighbors just because. "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy."

Janet was married to the love of her life Phillip for 47 years and they were together for an astounding 51 years. Janet and Phillip enjoyed going out to eat, boating, gardening, traveling, spending time with their beloved dog Bella, and entertaining friends. Early memories of their relationship included dancing to disco music at Madison's and spending time at Lake Texoma. Their relationship, love, and commitment to each other survived thick and thin. Phillip became her tireless caregiver over the last 5 years as her illness grew. Phillip's fondest memory was when he met Janet for the first time and thought "I am going to marry her" and it was love at first sight. "A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life."

Janet's greatest achievement was being an exceptional mother. Anytime she was around others, she would brag and brag about Chad, Ashley, and Amber and how proud she was of them. Everything she did was 110 percent as a mother. After caring for others at work all day she would come home and make a home-cooked meal, spend quality time with her children, tuck them in with prayers, and stay up late cleaning and preparing for the next day. She made sure her children knew God and took them to church three times per week if not more. The love she gave Chad, Ashley, and Amber was unconditional. Everyday she made them know how much she immensely loved them. "Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her."

Janet also loved being a "Vinnie" to Ainsley, Addison, Lane, Levi, Lindy, and Sonny. Her favorite thing to do was to rock them as babies and sing them hymns or songs she made up such as "rocky rock." Her grandchildren had a special relationship with her and frequently wanted to go visit their Vinnie. She often told them she loved them "times a million trillion billion" and every time they visited, she had a special "prize" for them.

Ultimately, Janet left an exceptional legacy of Christ-like love. She was happiest when caring for her family and friends and when following the Lord's call of helping those in need without asking for anything in return. "Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate."