Jesse George Smith

Jesse George Smith considered his life to be a beautiful adventure, and he was not shy about telling people so. Jesse had a visible twinkle in his eye most of the time. He sang to himself, enthusiastically and off-key. He frequently sent friends and family home from visits with fruits, vegetables, and flowers from his gardens. He regularly laughed himself to tears reading the three-panel comics in the newspaper. He departed his life’s adventure on Feb. 5, 2025 at the age of 93, and is already dearly missed.

Jesse was born in Poolville, Texas on January 3, 1932 to Burcus and Stella Smith, the fourth of six kids. He attended Baylor University, where he met Jean Stuart, his copilot and love of his life. After college he joined the Air Force and was stationed in Japan, where the young couple lived for the first years of their marriage. They then moved back to Texas and then to Albuquerque, where Jesse earned a Pharmacy degree at the University of New Mexico. Soon after graduating, they learned a pharmacy in Munday, Texas--Jesse's hometown--was for sale, and they moved to own and operate the combination pharmacy and soda fountain. Now with three school-age daughters, the young family moved again to Ft. Worth, where Jesse and Jean stayed for the next approximately 50 years. In 1984, Jesse heard the call to become an Episcopal priest, and he followed the call to Nashota House Seminary in Wisconsin, graduating and becoming ordained in 1987. He returned to Ft. Worth and worked as a Reverend at a number of congregations for several decades. He and Jean moved to Austin in 2018 to be closer to family.

He and Jean traveled extensively throughout their lives together, gathering stories and finding human connection in each new country. They are proud to have set foot on every continent. He loved Jean fiercely, regularly bragging on her when she left the room and singing her praises to anyone who would listen. He also served his community regularly in a number of capacities, but Kairos Prison Ministry was dearest to him. He served with Kairos until he was physically unable to continue.

He is survived by Jean, his wife of 71 years; daughters Karen Smith, Marsha Caven (Tom), and Lisa Smith (Harold Dentinger); his beloved grandchildren Elise Gittens-Thrasher (Kiara) of Waldorf, MD, Caitlin Caven, Andrew Caven (Stephanie); and great-grandson Henry Caven of Austin. He is also survived by his siblings James Smith (Millie) of Olney, Tx, Joel Smith, Sr. (Exa Lee) of Munday, TX, Maidee Ferguson of College Station, TX and his many loved nieces and nephews.

Services are Saturday, February 22, 2025, 11am, All Saints Episcopal Church, 209 W. 27th, Austin, TX

In celebration of Jesse's warmth and love of his community--and in lieu of flowers--please donate to one of his dearest charities: Kairos of Texas, specifically: M.W. Michael Unit in Palestine, TX and/or Bridgeport Correctional Center in Bridgeport, TX, All Saints Episcopal Church, Austin, or any organization which serves children or people experiencing homelessness.