Margaret Jean Smith

Margaret Jean Smith (Jean) passed away peacefully on June 26, 2026, just days before her 82nd birthday. She was born on June 30, 1944, in Champaign, Illinois.

Jean spent part of her early childhood on Hatteras Island, North Carolina, where she developed a lifelong appreciation for the beauty of the coast. She earned her undergraduate degree in Physical Education from Ball State University and later completed a master's degree in Special Education at George Mason University. She dedicated her career to teaching children with learning disabilities, touching countless young lives with her patience, compassion, and unwavering belief in every child's potential. Her dedication left a lasting impact on the lives of countless students and their families.

In 1985, Jean married the love of her life, David F. Smith. Together with her daughter Mary Anne and son Paul Joseph, combined with Dave’s daughter Alisa Marie, a new family was formed. Dave and Jean moved to Nags Head, NC where they founded and operated Seacoast Enterprises, a home repair business, centering their lives on hard work, love, and mutual respect. After splitting much of their time between Nags Head, NC and Nelson County, VA, Jean and Dave eventually settled into their Virginia mountain home at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains where they shared peace, love, and a deep connection to their community.

Jean embraced life with enthusiasm and curiosity. She earned a black belt in karate, expressing her discipline and determination. Jean enjoyed many creative pursuits, including handmade greeting cards and jewelry making and found joy in sharing her talents with others. She was deeply involved with the Ladies Guild at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. She will be remembered for her kindness, creativity, resilience, and the love and devotion she shared with her family and friends. Her legacy lives on through the lives she touched, the love she shared, and the memories that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Jean was proceeded by her beloved husband Dave who passed in June 2023. She is survived by her daughters Mary Anne Coyle (Billy) of Christchurch, VA, and Dr. Alisa Marie Smith-Kayal (Joe) of Chesapeake, VA, and her Son Paul Joseph Wintrode (Susan) of Portland, OR; grandchildren Amanda Coyle of Helena, MT, Ryan Coyle of West Palm Beach, FL, Christiane Kayal of Chesapeake, VA, and Gabriella Kayal of Chesapeake, VA. She is also survived by her brothers David Wardman (Deborah) of Alpena, MI and Greg Wardman (Jan) of Ramsay, MI and her sister Barbara Clayton (Bernie) of Indianapolis, IN.

The family would like to thank Suncrest Hospice of Virginia Beach for the love and support given to Jean and the family during the last days of her life.

Jean will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered always.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, on Friday, July 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Lovingston, VA with Father Roger Abadano officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the church.

A graveside service will follow the mass at St. George’s Cemetery in Scottsville, VA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to St. Mary’s Catholic Church Lady’s Guild, 9900 Thomas Nelson Highway, Lovingston, VA 22949.

Arrangements by Wells/Sheffield Funeral Chapel, Lovingston (434-263-4097).