Janice Huff Smith

Janice Huff Smith, 80, met her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on February 27, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. She was born on March 15, 1943, to Calvin Ralph Huff and Adele Johnson Huff and grew up in Raymondville, Texas, where she graduated from Raymondville High School in 1961. That same year she started dating her childhood neighbor and friend, Don Hulen Smith. They were married on August 30, 1962, and enjoyed 61 blessed years of marriage. Together, they raised three daughters and instilled in them a strong foundation of faith in God and love of family.

Janice graduated from Pan American College in 1965 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, and in 1987, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. She worked as an educator for 27 years, holding different positions throughout her career. Janice was one of the very first teachers at Calvary Christian School when it opened in 1976 and eventually served as principal of the school. She taught elementary school for Harlingen CISD, going on to serve as the district’s gifted and talented coordinator. Janice loved working and planning programs to maximize the optimal development of each student’s intellectual and creative gifts and talents. She retired from this position in 2002.

Janice had a special way of positively influencing her students’ lives and showing deep appreciation for her fellow teachers. She was an incredible mentor as she encouraged others to be successful in their chosen paths. She was often stopped by former students, thanking their “favorite teacher” for the role she had played in their lives. Janice was a member of the Delta Kapa Gamma Society for teachers, where she enjoyed fellowship with other women educators.

Janice and her husband, Don, were active members of several Baptist churches throughout their lives. She served as a pianist at First Baptist Church of Combes, Texas, for 15 years. She also taught Sunday school and served as a choir member. Janice was devoted to studying her Bible, and her faith was steadfast right up to the end of her life. She was the epitome of grace and elegance, dressed beautifully, and was kind to all. She will forever be remembered as our loving and generous Mom and “Mimi” to all the grandkids.

Janice is preceded in death by her parents, Calvin Ralph Huff, and Adele Johnson Huff. She is survived by her loving husband, Don Hulen Smith; their three daughters, Jennifer Kaye Smith, Lisa Smith Kuglen (Jeff), and Marcia Smith Prechel (Mike); and their four grandchildren, Caitlin Elizabeth Kuglen, Clay Rolla Kuglen (Beatriz), Megan Nicole Prechel, Matthew George Prechel, and one great-granddaughter, Claira Adele Kuglen. She is also survived by her sister Kaye Huff Fenn, sisters-in-law Patsy Smith Grace and Terry Clark Smith, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

In 2009, Janice and Don moved to San Antonio to be closer to their children and grandchildren. They have enjoyed living in the Del Webb Community and the friends who have blessed them over the years, especially these past several months. The family would like to express gratitude for the love and support extended by those who knew Janice. The family also wishes to express deep gratitude to Janice’s care companions, Lupe Hoffman and Rhonda Farnworth.

The family will receive visitors at Buck Ashcraft  San Benito Funeral Home, 1400 W. US Highway 77, San Benito, Texas, on Friday, March 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00  pm. A celebration of life service will take place on Saturday, March 9, at Calvary Baptist Church, 1815 N. 7th Harlingen, Texas, at 10:00 a.m.  Following the service, Janice will be laid to rest at Raymondville Memorial Park.

Pallbearers are Clay Kuglen, Mike Prechel, Matthew Prechel, Jim Prechel,  Andy Burns, and Levi Burns. Honorary pallbearers are Jeff Kuglen, Keith Burns, Richard Burns, David Beaver, and Herb Authier.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Calvary Christian School, 1815 7th St, Harlingen, Texas 78550.