Jeanne Smith

Jeanne “Gee Gee” Pauline Smith, 96, of Bamberg, South Carolina, passed away peacefully, on August 12, 2026. She leaves behind a legacy of strong Christian morals and an unconditional love for Jesus, her church and her family.

Born on August 17, 1929 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Gee Gee was the daughter of Spurgeon Eugene Smith and Helen Beatrice Kleinman. At sixteen years old she devoted herself to Jesus through Baptism. She was baptized on June 9th, 1946 at the Fiftieth Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA. Gee Gee met the love her life Johnnie Smith when she was 17 years old. They were married in Philadelphia on March 20, 1948. They eventually moved to Bamberg, SC the hometown of Johnnie Smith.

Before moving to Bamberg, South Carolina, Johnnie “Skipper” Smith was born. And after moving to Bamberg, Cindy Pauline Smith and Spurgeon Todd Smith were born.

Gee Gee had a strong love for gardening. She and Johnnie won numerous awards for the appeal of their yard. They won countless “Yard of the Month” awards and had their yard featured in several publications. Their yard was engulfed with azaleas, gardenias, hostas, and always hundreds of appropriate bulbs planted to accent the yard. Gee Gee also loved sports! You would always see her in the stands with Johnnie cheering on her hometown team. But the thing that Gee Gee loved the most was her church! She lived her life to support the church and every ministry it provided. Her biggest disappointment came later in life when she was not physically able to attend church services. Gee Gee lived her life on the teachings of Jesus and it showed.

Gee Gee’s love for her family was immeasurable. Gee Gee had the most generous heart and the ability to make you feel right at home in her presence. Gee Gee had seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.

Gee Gee was preceded in death by her loving husband Johnnie Smith, her son Johnnie “Skipper” Smith, and her daughter Cindy Pauline Smith Walker.

She is survived by her son, Spurgeon Todd Smith (Kim) and her daughter–in-law Jane Heath Smith.

She also leaves behind seven beloved grandchildren and their children Lauren Blake Williams (Charlie), Charlie Williams III “Cholly”, Marshall Williams, Lilly Williams, and Brooker Williams. Mary Nicole DeVaughn (Justin) and Linton DeVaughn. Jessica Lauren Cook (Billy), Bilton Cook, Jonathan Todd “JT” Cook, David Cook, and Joseph “Joey” Cook. Courtney Ann Koellner (Veston), Scarlett Koellner and Josie Koellner.

Extended grandchildren Christian Long (Jennifer) Lyla Long, Sadie Long, and Gatlin Long. Carley Frick (Justin), and Zoe Frick. Collin Long (Lakin).

Services will be held at The First Baptist Church in Bamberg, South Carolina, Sunday August 16th at 2:00 pm. After the church service there will be a short graveside service at Bamberg County Memory Garden.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 355 Bamberg SC 29003.

Cooner-Smith Funeral Home will be assisting with the arrangements.

Cooner-Smith Funeral Home is honored to serve the family. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.