Josephine “Jo” (Cooper) Smith passed away in Harrisville, Michigan, at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Pamela and Dale Dellar, on July 2, 2018. Prior to moving to Harrisville, approximately a year ago, she resided in the Cedar Springs area nearly all of her life. Jo was born August 28, 1926 in Harvard, Michigan. She was the daughter of Walter Cooper and Anna (Mersnick) Atkins. In 1944 she graduated from Cedar Springs High School, having worked as a housekeeper/nanny while attending there as a student. Jo married Alan P. Smith of Stanton, Michigan, on May 11, 1946, and enjoyed nearly 35 years of marriage until Alan’s death in 1980.
Following graduation, she worked at Consumers Power Company in Greenville, Michigan. She left her work when the first of her four children was born. She returned to work, “outside her home,” in 1967, for Holton’s LP Gas Company in Cedar Springs. She started as a clerk and was later promoted to office manager. She retired from full-time work in 1992, but continued to work part-time. Following her retirement, Jo renewed her interest in dancing. She developed many friendships while attending dances in Sparta, Trufant, Six Lakes, Conklin, Parnell, and anywhere that was convenient for her to drive.
Jo had a passion for cooking and loved baking pies and homemade rolls. For years her family enjoyed her Sunday dinners, which would usually include her famous green salad. This family tradition continued well into her 80s, only ending when she was no longer able to cook. Family was the most important thing in her life.
Josephine was preceded in death by her husband, Alan; father, Walter; mother, Anna; and dear sister, Kathleen Bitely.
She will always be lovingly remembered by her surviving son, Larry Smith of Cedar Springs; daughters Linda (John) Ranney of Grand Rapids; Pamela (Dale) Dellar of Harrisville, Michigan; Sue (Kurt) Mabie of Cedar Springs; grandchildren, Ryan (Koree) Mabie of Grand Rapids; Kelly Jo (Jason) Horricks of Mackinac Island; Kristy (Calvin) Gibson of Manistee; Michael Mabie (& Tina Van) of Grand Rapids; and Kevin Newland (& Laura Herweyer) of Minneapolis; great-grandchildren, Makenna & Megan Horricks; Michael Davis; and Emerson & Failla Mabie. Surviving siblings include Donna Atkins; Gary (Maxine) Cooper; Frances Cooper; and Leon (Barb) Atkins. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Barb (Robinson) Garvon for her devotion to and loving care provided to our Mother.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Thursday, July 26th, at 1 p.m. at Spencer Township Hall, located at 14960 Meddler Ave., Gowen, Michigan, with Pastor Julie Schneider-Thomas officiating. A luncheon will be served following the service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Jo’s memory be made to Hospice of Michigan-Alpena, 145 N. State Ave., Alpena, Michigan or to a charity of one’s choice.
