Jewel Winifrede Smith

Jewel Winifrede Smith
Nov. 30, 1926 - Mar. 10, 2011
Resident of Walnut Creek
Jewel was a native Californian, born in Sacramento, the only child of Verne and Norma Bentley. Jewel grew up in the bay area. After graduating from Albany High School, she worked for the State Department of Social Services in San Francisco. She married her high school sweetheart, John (Jack) Smith in 1944 while Jack was serving in the Navy. The couple made their home in Albany where first daughter Pamela was born. The couple then built a home in El Cerrito and added another daughter, Claudia, and son David. Jewel's focus while in El Cerrito was her family and church. Jewel was active in the development of Northminster Presbyterian Church where she was in charge of landscaping the new church grounds. In 1960, the family moved to Walnut Creek. While living in Walnut Creek and raising her children, Jewel became involved in teaching English to recent immigrants which prompted her to begin working toward her college degree by attending classes at Diablo Valley College. After Jack was transferred by Pacific Bell to Sacramento, Jewel completed her degree, graduating from the University of California, Davis in 1977. She then taught English (ESL) in the Sacramento area for over ten years. After retiring, the couple moved back to Walnut Creek. Jewel became involved with the local chapter of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) serving in various roles including the Scholarship Committee. In 2002 Jewel was selected as "Woman of the Year" recognizing her extensive contributions to AAUW and her community. Jewel was also active in her church, Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church (LOPC) where she served as a Deacon ministering to the church congregation. Jewel is survived by her loving husband, Jack, and her daughters Pamela Clements of Peoria, AZ and Claudia Harrison of Sacramento and son David Smith of Martinez; grandchildren Robin Achey, Nicholas and Benjamin Harrison, Jacquilyn Smith Duncan and Shannon and Jessica Smith; and great-grandchildren Sarah Roth and Brian Achey. Jewel was preceded in death by her beloved grandson, Brian Ostrom. Jewel was especially proud of her devotion and service to family and friends and will be greatly missed. A celebration of her life will be held on March 26th at 2:00 p.m. at the Lafayette-Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Orinda, CA. Contributions in Jewel's honor can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Contra Costa County or Shelter, Inc. (an organization that provides transitional housing where Jewel volunteered for many years), 1070 Concord Ave., Concord, CA 94520.

 

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