Janice Kaye Smith

Janice Kaye Smith was born on December 21, 1961, in Ocala to the late Luke Berry Smith and Janette Howard Smith. She peacefully transitioned from this life on May 11, 2026, surrounded by love and embraced by cherished family and friends. Janice received her education through the Sumter County School District, where she was actively involved in student leadership and organizations, serving as Parliamentarian of the Student Council and participating in FHA and Keywanettes. She later earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Central Florida. A devoted woman of faith and service, Janice faithfully served as Secretary of Spark Level Missionary Baptist Church and the Bethel Baptist Association of Florida, Inc. for many years. She also worked in the Finance Department of the Florida General Baptist Convention. Throughout her career with the State of Florida, Janice held several valuable positions, always striving to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. She was preceded in death by her mother, Janette Howard Smith; her father, Luke Berry Smith; her brother, Leonard B. Smith; and her sister, Lynette E. Smith. She leaves to cherish her loving memory: her husband, Darryll Helm; stepdaughter, Brianna Myers (Michael) of Jacksonville, Florida; stepson, Brian Helm Sr. of Jacksonville, Florida; brother-in-law Kenneth Helm of Washington DC; sisters-in-law Diane Helm, Camilla Craig (Steven) of Waldorf, Maryland, and Yusuf Abdullah (Shuron) of Bowie, Maryland; grandchildren Aaron Myers, Asaiah Myers, and Brian Helm Jr.; a niece who was like a daughter, Samantha Mikell of Leesburg; nephews William Smith (Cherie) of Fruitland Park, Ronnie Thomas III (Lashaunta) of St. Petersburg, and James Smith of Cherry Lake, Florida; great-nieces and great-nephews Shayanna, Ki'era, Jayden, Heaven, Ka'vyne, Trishanda, Brianna, Wilandria, William Jr., Christian, Braylon, Nevaeh, and Nayana; five great-great-nieces, one great-great-nephew; Goddaughter, Shaton Bennett of Tallahassee, Florida and Godson Charles Smith, Jr.; and a host of loving cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Tributes

Janice Kaye Smith

December 21, 1961 - May 11, 2026