Jeanne Smith Ehlers

Jeannie Smith Ehlers, age 78, passed away peacefully on February 21, 2023 in her home in Roswell, GA surrounded by her family. She was born in Sanford, NC, but moved to Charlotte as a young child. Her family then moved to Salisbury, NC, where she spent the majority of her childhood and attended Boyden High School. Jeannie went on to graduate from Lenoir-Rhyne College in Hickory, NC with a degree in Education. After graduation, she began her teaching career in Woodbridge, VA, and soon reconnected with Jim Ehlers, a fellow Lenoir-Rhyne alumni and Lieutenant Junior Grade in the US Navy. After moving to Virginia Beach, VA, in order to be closer to Jim, they continued dating and were joined in marriage on September 2, 1967. Jim and Jeannie have been a model of love and devotion for over 55 years.

Jeannie’s primary passion in life was for her role as a wife, mother and grandmother. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them. “Gigi”, as she was affectionately known, was incredibly loving and involved in the activities and pursuits of her children and grandchildren.

Jeannie had a kind and gentle spirit, tremendous patience, a wonderful outlook on life and cared deeply for her many groups of friends. Her genuine smile and cute giggle could light up the room. She was a terrific listener and had many volunteer jobs at her children’s schools, the churches she attended and the different communities in which she lived. Jeannie had a servant’s heart and was always willing and ready to help. In recent years, developing friendships at Roswell United Methodist Church was special to her and it became a place near and dear to her heart.

Jeannie was also blessed with many talents. She was a skillful artist who loved to paint, draw, design and decorate. She was always in step with the latest styles and spent time designing and sewing classy, beautiful dresses for herself and for her daughters. She loved the natural world and had an amazing appreciation for and knowledge of different flowers, plants and trees. Her paintings and artwork most often included flowers. Jeannie delighted in soaking up the sun whenever she could, whether it was on the tennis court or in her backyard. Family trips to the beach, spending time together and being warmed by the sun’s embrace made her especially happy. She also enjoyed visiting places throughout the United States on the many cross country drives that she, Jim and family took over the years.

Jeannie is survived by her husband, James (Jim) R. Ehlers of Roswell, GA; her brother, J. Brock Smith of Gastonia, NC; her three children, Audrey Daum (Ian) of Peachtree Corners, GA, Jayne Harvey (David) of Atlanta, GA and Tedman Ehlers (Elizabeth) of San Diego, CA; and eight grandchildren: Avery and Hollyn Daum; Ryan, May and Wesleigh Harvey; Rhett, Tate and Beau Ehlers. She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Eugene Smith.

The strength and grace that Jeannie showed during the last years of her life battling ovarian cancer remain an inspiration to her family and friends. She demonstrated resilience, perseverance and never once complained.

Jeannie was immensely proud of her family and leaves behind a lifetime of beautiful memories. Please join us for a Celebration of Her Life on Tuesday, March 7, 2023 at 11am at the Roswell United Methodist Church Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA) at www.ocrahope.org or the Roswell United Methodist Church Foundation at www.rumcf.org

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.roswellfuneralhome.com for the Ehlers family.