Janet H. Smiley's Obituary
Our beloved Janet Hewitt Smiley, 76, of St. Charles, Missouri passed away at home on Tuesday, October 28, 2025.
Janet was born on October 16, 1949, to Alphonsine Moser on the island of St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Janet grew up on St. Thomas and was raised as the oldest daughter of the late Hermia and Albert A. Mercer. Growing up in a large, loving extended family, she cherished good times, great food, and good music.
Janet attended Charlotte Amalie High School and later earned her GED to complete her secondary education. She met Nathaniel Smiley, Sr. in New York, fell in love, and they married on April 15, 1971. In 2010, they renewed their vows in St. Thomas at Holy Family Catholic Church, reaffirming their 54-year marriage.
Janet was always eager to help others and actively sought ways to do so throughout her life. Her career in social services included roles as a nursing assistant and caregiver, primarily working with adults with special needs. Later, she worked as a school bus monitor for elementary students.
Janet's zest for life was contagious; her social gatherings are fondly remembered. Her passion for cooking and baking was nurtured during her youth in St. Thomas, in the kitchen with Granny, Ethlyn Seeley.
Janet loved her two children, Lynell and Nate Jr., but she especially adored her grandchildren, Tre'von and Katrina. Her entire family was the center of her world. Her warm, lively personality will be missed dearly by all who knew and loved her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Alphonsine Moser; parents, Hermia & Albert A. Mercer; brother, Wilbur Galloway; and sisters, Ernestine Caines Joy Oliver and Mary Loper.
Janet is survived by: her husband ~ Nathaniel Smiley, Sr.; children ~ Lynell Smiley Patton (Damon) and Nathaniel Smiley, Jr.; grandchildren ~ Tre'von Peebles and Katrina Smiley; siblings ~ Ernest Galloway, Sr., Mario Galloway, Kenneth Walcott and Lucette Mercer; the Hewitts of the U.S. Virgin Islands; as well as many nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.
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