Eva Jeanette Smith Barnett

Eva Jeanette Smith Barnett, 84, passed away October 6, 2022

Jeanette (also known as Jan, EJ, Mom and Nini) was born January 5, 1938. Her parents, Floyd and Cassie Smith, followed the oil field industry and consequently, Jeanette lived in many places including Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, and Indiana throughout her childhood. She married Gary Barnett in 1958 and they made their home in Houston, Texas, raising their family. Jeanette worked as a legal secretary while Gary finished his degree, then continued her education earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Houston in 1974. In 1978, she earned a Master’s Degree from Sam Houston State University.  She believed in the value of an education and worked for over 20 years as a teacher and administrator. After retiring from working in the public schools, Jeanette provided training to schools and other various organizations.

After their children were grown, Jeanette and Gary traveled extensively on their own and with family and friends. Although she did not travel as much after Gary’s passing, she did enjoy extended weekends with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  She also enjoyed playing cards with several groups and was a huge fan of all Aggie sports. Jeanette had a strong desire to help others and showed this through volunteering with the Brazos Valley Hospice Auxiliary, CASA, and Voices for Children. 

She ended every conversation with “Is there anything I can do for you?”

Jeanette was preceded in death by her loving husband of 58 years, Gary T. Barnett; parents, Floyd E. and Cassie Cleveland Smith; and siblings, Gladys and husband Bob Straughmatt, Floyd and wife Jeanette Smith, and Robert E. Smith.

Jeanette’s memories will forever be cherished by her children, Kathryn Grimberg and husband William, and Kevin Barnett and wife Sharon; grandchildren, Jason Grimberg and wife, Caeti, Jenna Grimberg, Jaime Vercher and husband Kenny, Korey Barnett, and Kassie Barnett; great-grandchildren, Dorian Boulineau, Roslyn Black, and Mackenzie Vercher; and sister-in-law, Shirley Smith as well as numerous extended family members.  The family extends special thanks to her nephews, Lanny Smith and Phillip Smith, for always being there to lend a hand or engage in lively conversations. 

Jeanette will also be missed by a multitude of friends including those from STAR, Connect, Spring Branch ISD, Katy ISD, friends in Bentwater, and those in the Bryan/College Station area.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Hospice Auxiliary Brazos Valley 502 W. 26^th St. Bryan, TX  77803 or the Jan and Gary Barnett scholarship through Voices for Children 115 N Main St. Bryan, TX 77803.