Janice "Faye" Smith

Janice Faye Putman Smith of Mineral Wells, Texas, died peacefully in the early hours of January 1, 2024. She was attended by her daughter, Deborah K Smith also of Mineral Wells.

Faye, as she preferred to be called, was born May 24, 1933 and grew up in Mineral Wells. She worked for a time in the drug store in the Baker Hotel and often talked of the people she met there. Upon graduating Mineral Wells High School, she attended secretarial school in Fort Worth then went to work for TP&L. Later she went to work at Fort Wolters and worked there until 1973 when the family moved to San Antonio. There she worked at Fort Sam Houston with the Army Medical Department until she retired. After retirement she and Keevan moved back to Mineral Wells.

During her 30-year retirement, Faye enjoyed gardening and one year won the city’s beautification award for her front yard. In her early 70s she took up quilting. If there is anyone who knew her that did not receive one of her quilts, she didn’t know it. But her favorite pastime was “junkin’.” She loved to browse through garage / yard sales, estate sales, thrift stores, antique stores, and any place selling potentially old household goods. She amassed an eclectic collection of glassware, china, and kitchen ware over the years. She often indulged in this hobby with her husband, siblings, and daughter.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Keevan Smith as well as her siblings Buddy Putman, Betty Mahaffey, and Billy Putman and her parents Sam and Dorothy Putman.

She leaves behind a sister, Dorothy Coez Spurlock; two daughters, Deborah K Smith and Patti Gaye Smith-Kerby; two grandchildren, Patricia Reyes-Luther and Andrew Martin Reyes; and several great-grandchildren.

Faye was a member of the Eastside Church of Christ in Mineral Wells and leaves behind numerous friends there.

She will be interred at the Salesville Cemetery next to Keevan.