Jennifer Lee Smith

December 7, 1976 - January 20, 2022

Coleman Funeral Home of Olive Branch Jennifer Lee (Neal) Smith passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2022. For 45 years, Jennifer loved her friends, family, and God with everything she had. We can all be comforted in knowing she’s gone home to the Lord—and her spirit lives on in each of us. Born on December 7, 1976 in Memphis, Tennessee, Jennifer was a smart, outgoing young girl. She attended Olive Branch High School, where she fell for a curious boy who would someday become her husband. He was captivated by the twinkle in her eye—her confidence and personality were so unique. But before they could share a life, time and distance took them in opposite directions. Jennifer and her family moved to California in 1990 where she graduated from Rancho Verde High School. She moved back to Memphis after graduation, and had her first son, Preston, soon after. As a young mother, Jennifer faced great challenges, but she was a natural, loving mom who would do anything for her sons. Jennifer had learned from the best; she had a strong relationship with her own mother, Myra Neal. When Jennifer’s first two sons were young, she returned to school to study education at Arkansas State University- Newport. Jennifer was a natural with kids; she knew how to connect and inspire. She taught in the Harrisburg School District from 2012 to 2015. In 2016, Jennifer reconnected with that boy from high school. Timothy Smith was by then a father, and the two families came together as one with all four of their boys: Preston, Taylor, Cody, and TJ. Jennifer adored Timothy’s son, T.J., just like one of her own. As a family they loved to travel to the beaches of Florida where they sailed, visited the butterfly reserves, swam with stingrays, and went deep sea fishing. Jennifer was so happy on those trips—especially to The Keys—basking in the sunshine with her boys. It was a place of peace, where they could forget about work and listen to the waves, savor fresh food, and make friends with the locals on Duval Street. Jennifer and Timothy would take long walks on the beach at sunset, enjoying every magical moment—looking for seashells, walking hand in hand through smooth sand while the water broke the shore—feeling so grateful to have found their way back to each other. Jennifer saw so much beauty in the world, and she enjoyed capturing it through painting, poetry, and photography. She loved camping, biking, and exploring local trails, too—being surrounded by nature gave her energy. Life was an adventure to Jennifer, and she wanted everyone to enjoy it—especially her family. Jennifer and Timothy were a strong team. Not only did they parent together, they also ran a successful heating and air conditioning services company, where Jennifer was both co-owner and office manager. She was the face of the company whose warmth and expertise attracted loyal customers. Everyone who met her loved and trusted her. Jennifer will be remembered for her kindness, her honesty, and her intelligence; the way she lit up a room; her fierce determination to give her family the very best; and her beauty, both inside and out. She would do anything for anyone, and you never had to ask. Somehow, Jennifer just knew how to make people feel loved, when to listen, and how to cheer you up on a bad day. She always saw the good in everyone. In her passing, we are reminded to embrace each day; to love a little harder; to show kindness to friends and strangers alike, just as she would. Jennifer is survived by her husband, Timothy Smith; sons, Preston Downs, Taylor Downs (Tiffany), Cody Marple, and Timothy (T.J.) Smith; grandchildren Eva and Jackson Downs; brother, Randy Neal; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws. She is predeceased by her grandmother, Mamie Shelton, and her brother, Scott Neal. Jennifer's mom, Myra Neal, passed away a few weeks after Jennifer. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org