Jayne Parr Smith

Jayne Parr Smith, 76, of Tucson, AZ, passed away Friday, August 29, 2025, in Tucson Medical Center, Tucson, AZ. 

A private family gathering will be held in Howe Cemetery, near Shelbyville, IL. Memorials may be given to Mending Souls or a favorite charity. 

Jayne was born on August 10, 1949, in Shelbyville, IL, the daughter of Guy Daley and Nannie Glenn (Barlow) Parr. She graduated from Shelbyville High School in the Class of 1967 and attended Illinois State University where she received her degree in Education. Jayne was an advocate for her students with a 30+ year career in special education and administration across several districts and retired from Stewardson-Strasburg Community Unit School District 5A in 2006. In addition to teaching, Jayne had a passion for life-long learning and quickly mastered new crafts and hobbies, especially needlework, and enjoyed working side-by-side on house projects with her late-husband, James. Following his passing, Jayne moved to Arizona in 2019 for a new adventure – she became an active member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America and found a rich community of friends who called themselves the “Steel Magnolias”. Jayne lived her life reflecting a deep love of family and faith in God and will be dearly missed.

She is survived by her son, Morgan A. Smith of Tucson, AZ; daughter, Sarah J. Smith of Warren, NJ; stepsons Bryan D. Smith (Gosia) of Roswell, NM and Bradley A. Smith (Snow) of Shelbyville; grandchildren Takayasu Abe (Ayako), Hiro Abe (Tabitha), Nicole Smith, Ericka Smith, and Blake Smith; sister, Bari L. Spesard of Weatherford, TX; brothers, Jerry L. Parr of Honolulu, HI and Van Jon Parr of Shelbyville; and dear friend Julie Simmons of Denver, CO.

She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, James A. Smith; daughter-in-law, Narumi Smith; brothers Guy D. Parr and Mark L. Parr; sister, Linda D. Parr; and brother-in-law, Gary Spesard.

The family wishes to thank Peppi’s House - Tucson Medical Center Hospice staff for their care and support.