Janis graduated from Drew Central and attended Arkansas A & M College (now University of Arkansas at Monticello). She worked in the offices at Burlington Industries and later ran Burt Logging along with her husband Jacky.
Janis was a wonderful wife, mother, sister and friend. She was generous and caring, always thinking of others. She had a passionate love of flowers and her talent for growing flowers showed in her flower garden that was admired by everyone. Her talents were many and included sewing, embroidery, crocheting, and ceramics.
Janis is survived by her loving and beloved husband John Smith, formerly of Wilmar, her children and grandchild and sisters, all who are cherished and beloved - son Jason Lloyd Burt, (Nicole) of Florida, daughter Jennifer Shaddock (Brian) of Fordyce, granddaughter Caitlin Millwood, sister Carolyn (aka CJ) Tanner (Bo), of Hot Springs Village, and sister Claudia Griffith of Colorado.
Surviving her are her niece Amye Barnett Van Slyke of Monticello, a great niece Nina Rose, a nephew Tommy Barnett of Little Rock, a nephew Steven Barnett (Angela) of Texas, and a great niece Layne Barnett of Texas.
She was loved and beloved and is survived by her niece Lori Goff (Steven), her great nephew Shane Goff, her great niece Breanna Goff Williams (Chase), and her great great nephew Eli Williams, all of Bryant.
She was loved and beloved and is survived by her step daughters Joyce Price (Tommy) of Georgia, and April Smith (Jason) of Massachusetts, step granddaughter Julie Dunn and twin step-great grandsons Silas and Abel of Georgia, and step grandson Joshua Dunn of Oklahoma.
She leaves behind many lifelong friends. She was loved and will be greatly missed by her loved ones.
WHEN I AM GONE
A POEM BY JANIS BURT SMITH
Don't weep for me when I am gone,
And never feel you are alone.
For I have gone to a better place,
Where soon I shall get to see God's face.
Think of me when roses bloom,
Or when the sun burns your brow at noon.
Think of all the joys we have shared,
And never forget how much I cared.
Forgive any harsh words I may have spoken,
And any of the promises I may have broken.
I was only human as you know too well,
In spite of my best efforts, I did sometimes fail.
But always know I loved each and every one of you,
My husband, my children, and my grandchild too.
I take with me the love given by each one of you,
But hopefully leave the love I have given too.
Don't weep for me when I am gone,
And never feel you are alone.
For soon you will join me in Heaven above,
And share once again our own special love.
Janis
Condolences(16)
Joyce Willis Higgins
Delhi,, LA Friday, April 29, 2016 May the Lord comfort Janis family during this time. I remember her from school and she was such a sweet girl.Charlsie Berryman Polk
Green Forest, AR Thursday, April 28, 2016 Jennifer and Jason,I am so sorry to hear of Janis' passing. You are in my prayers. God be with you and all your family.
Sherry Ellis O'Neill-Rawls
Monticello, AR Thursday, April 28, 2016 To the family & friends of Janis: my heart goes out to you in your loss. May God comfort you. We know that Janis is in a better place now & free of pain. I wish I had been able to visit with her during these few years. I shall always be thankful for having known Janis, she was a very special person. God has gained an angel, we have lost a friend.Larry Ku
Forestville, CA Thursday, April 28, 2016 This is a grievous loss to the DCHS Class of '68. We will miss Janis, always.Lynn & Mary Jane Kirkpatrick
Malvern (Glen Rose), AR Wednesday, April 27, 2016 John,We are so sorry to hear of Janis' death. She was a wonderful "green thumb" lady, and will be missed by all.
Joan Kelly Wraxall
Richmond, CA Wednesday, April 27, 2016 Janice was one of the luckiest ladies I knew. Lucky in love. Lucky to possess such a vibrant spirit to share with a loving family. Funny and generous with that sense of humor. This is a very sad goodbye. She lives on in memory.Faye Bates Lewis
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 26, 2016 All the years I have known Janis, she has stayed the same. Always kind, funny and taller than I am. I visited with her last Wednesday and she still had her sense of humor. Her Lord was waiting for her and I believe took her hand as she left this earth. I cherish the memories of our childhood. To her lovely family I know you are sad now, but find comfort knowing she loved you and is in the presence of our Lord.Shirl Reaves Bunch
, AR Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Many times when Janis and Jacky were married, she welcomed me into their and we enjoyed hours of good conversation. We often shared a tasty bite or two of food.I especially remember how sweet she was to my children and to my mother. Other than a phone call or two, Although I have not been a part of her life for some time, my sympathy goes out to those who will miss her.
Mary & James Lasiter
Wilmar, AR Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Jennifer, Jason and family, we are so very sorry to hear of Janes' passing. May you always remember the love and good times you had before she became sick. You are in our prayers. RIPSharon Shook McIntyre
Titusville, FL Tuesday, April 26, 2016 To the Family of Janis,It has been many years since I last saw Janis. Those of us who were working in the office at Burlington all went separate ways when BI closed. Janis was a very dear friend loved by me as well as countless others. My thoughts and prayers are with all of her family and friends at this very sad time. I will see you again one day my friend when the Lord takes me to Heaven. Until then, I will think of you often.
In Christian Love & Friendship,
Sharon Shook McIntyre
George Burks
Bryant, AR Tuesday, April 26, 2016 i offer my deepest condolences to Janis's family at this time. Janis was a lovey caring friend that will be deeply missed.Robin Herron
Donaldson, AR Tuesday, April 26, 2016 Janet and I clicked the 1st time we met at Dr. Efird's Office. She had the most beautiful smile and a heart of love. I'm a better person for knowing her and will never forget her. What a great impact she made on me.My prayers and thoughts are with John and her family. May you find comfort in the love of Christ and all who knew her.
Judy Sipes-Smith
Jacksonville, AR Tuesday, April 26, 2016 So sorry for your loss. I remember Janis as a very smart and nice girl in high school. Your family will definitely be in my prayers. - Judy Hatley Sipes-SmithBruce & Linda Cambell
Longview, TX Monday, April 25, 2016 You are in our prayers. Love to all the family.Phyllis Brannon Flory
Salina, KS Monday, April 25, 2016 Janis, my friend, it has been a valiant battle. May you rest in peace and rise in glory. My deepest sympathy to your family. Phyllis Brannon FloryDebra Kelly
Centennial, CO Monday, April 25, 2016 Janis has been my sweet bestie for over 50 years - I’m going to miss her so much. We’ve talked a lot the past few months and though she wasn’t ready to leave her family and the life that she had, she knew that with her last breath taken she’d walk straight into the arms of Jesus - and there is not a doubt in my mind that is exactly how it happened! She’ll always be in my heart and my best memories. May her memory bring comfort to Johnny, CJ and all her friends and family. Godspeed my sweet friend. Till we meet again.