August 11, 1941 ~ July 22, 2026 (age 84)
Jeanine Smith DeVenny of Auburn, Alabama passed away peacefully and met her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, July 22, 2026
Jeanine is preceded in death by her dear husband of almost 65 years and love of her life, Coach Jimmy DeVenny, her parents Earl and Gladys Smith, her brother and sister-in-law, Earl and Barbara Smith, her sister and brother-in-law, Gail and Bob Ward, and her sister-in-law, Annie Smith.
She is survived by her daughters, Jenny Hatfield (David), Joni Williams and Jan Watkins (Chris); her sister, Carol Moss and her brother Tyson Smith; her grandchildren, Riley Watkins (Alexis), Garrett Watkins (Anna), Connor Watkins (Emma), Brady Watkins (Marisa), Elise Hatfield, Caroline Watkins Redd (Gunnar), Avery Williams; her great-grandchildren, Cal Watkins, Malachi Watkins, Blythe Watkins, Lottie Watkins, Adelaide Watkins, Nora Watkins, Hayes Watkins (deceased), Baker Watkins, Miller Watkins, Everly Redd, Faye Watkins, Thomas Watkins, Sonny Watkins, Hollis Watkins, numerous beloved nieces and nephews and her faithful friend and caregiver for almost 14 years, Tammie Beavers.
Jeanine was born August 11, 1941, at Salter’s Hospital in Eufaula, Alabama. She grew up on a chicken farm and learned to make the best fried chicken around. As a child she enjoyed her siblings, going to the community house to play with friends and swim. Jeanine learned the art of homemaking both from her own Mama and her beloved home economics teacher. She was a member of Washington Street Methodist Church in Eufaula; graduated from Eufaula High School in 1959 and Perry Business School in Columbus, Georgia in 1960.
Jeanine and Jimmy married on March 18, 1961, at Washington Street Methodist Church in Eufaula, Alabama. They lived in Auburn for a few years where Jeanine worked at the Extension Service at Auburn University. Jeanine moved with Jimmy after his graduation from Auburn University to Gainesville, Georgia; Ft. Seal, Oklahoma; Fairbanks, Alaska, Auburn, Alabama (again); Columbus, Georgia; Midland City, Alabama, Trussville, Alabama and then back to stay in Auburn, Alabama for the last 53 years.
One of Jeanine’s favorite cities was Trussville, Alabama where she cared for her three daughters, worked part time at the “Sewing Basket”, and dearly loved being a member of First Baptist Church Trussville and the people there. Her life and heart were dedicated to the Lord Jesus Christ in this season of her life.
When Jeanine moved to Auburn, she became a teacher’s aide and then secretary at Boykin Elementary School. After several years she transferred to Auburn City Schools Central Office where she retired as the Accounts Payable Bookkeeper and made many beloved friends.
Jeanine loved her church family and close-knit Sunday School class at Parkway Baptist Church until the day she died. While there she loved volunteering in the nursery, being on the counting committee, participating in various ladies Bible studies and being a part of the Cornerstone Ministry.
Through the years Jeanine enjoyed going on annual beach trips with her husband and children, and then grandchildren to St. Augustine, Florida. She also enjoyed traveling with friends and family; reading; quilting; sewing her girls’ clothes all through their childhood; cross stitching, especially her famous Santa ornaments; cooking amazing Southern meals; baking- including her delicious layer cakes and perfecting the caramel cake, especially.
Jeanine was loved by many and generously loved many in return. She will be remembered for her servant’s heart and the way she loved unwaveringly. She lived a faithful, simple, content life that was a gift from God to all who knew her. Her biggest joys in life were her husband, her three girls, her sons-in-law, her seven grandchildren and her 14 great grandchildren. She will forever have an influence for good on each of them. To God be the glory, great things He hath done.
Visitation will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, 10:00 AM -11:30 AM at Parkway Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama.
Funeral Services will be held Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:30 AM at Parkway Baptist Church, Auburn, Alabama.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider donating to the AGAPE FUND or Library Fund at Parkway Baptist Church, 766 E. University Drive, Auburn, Alabama
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home is directing.
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