Emma Jean (Warstler) Smith

Emma Jean Smith, 70, of Perry Township, passed away quietly, while surrounded by family and in the comfort of her home, early Saturday evening, December 18, 2021.  Born in Massillon, July 29, 1951, a daughter to the late Howard L. and Emma Mae (Reardon) Warstler, Sr., Emma grew up in Navarre and graduated from Fairless High School with the Class of 1970.  During the winter and spring, she worked as a tax preparer for H&R Block.  In the summer and fall, she worked in the roadside produce market for the former Springhill Gardens.  Emma was a Christian.  She was a member of the First Assembly of God in Massillon and had also attended the Cathedral of Life.  A devoted wife and a loving and supportive mom and grandma, Emma placed her family at the center of her life.  She liked to socialize, meeting and talking to people.  Arranging family gatherings for birthdays and holidays was her specialty!  She loved to bake and to sew; she enjoyed singing and working in her garden.

Preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John M. Smith; brother, Howard L. Warstler, Jr.; sisters-in-law, Betty Durbin, Retta Smith and Jesse Dampier; and brother-in-law, Doyle Phillips; Emma is survived by her children, Sharon Smith, Angel Yarnell-Nazario (Zelina Nazario-Yarnell) and John D. (Bessie) Smith, all of Massillon; her grandchildren, S.J., Amy, and Tapanga Yarnell, and John Michael, Cheyanne, Loretta, and Ruby Smith.  Additional survivors include, her brother, R. Paul Warstler, of East Sparta; sisters-in-law, Mrs. Holly Warstler, Mrs. Nancy Phillips, Mrs. Tresa Mays and Martha (Luis) Garcia; brothers-in-law, James (Donna) Smith, Don Smith and Larry Durbin, and 17 nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 23, 2021, at Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Navarre.  Pastor Michael Knibbs will officiate and burial will follow at East Union Lawn Cemetery in Navarre.  The family will receive condolences from 6-8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening, December 22nd, and one hour prior to the services, from 12-1:00 p.m. Thursday afternoon, in the funeral home.  Our Covid protocols have been reinstated so face masks are required for those attending the services.  Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added to our on-line guestbook.     

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