Emma “Jean” Lowe Smith passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, surrounded by family. Jean was born on Sept. 28, 1931, to Grandville T. Lowe and Dafrey Joseph of Laurel. She was the second of three children.
After graduating from Laurel High School in 1949, she married her high school sweetheart Stanley John Smith. They were happily married for 73 years. Early in their marriage the couple moved to Wilmington where Stanley attended Goldey- Beacom College and Jean was employed by Diamond State Telephone Company as a telephone operator. Several years later they returned to Laurel where Jean worked for Dupont Corporation in Seaford. She transitioned to the family business, GT Lowe Bus Service, working for her father as a school bus driver and later as a co-owner. Jean was also the president of the Laurel School Bus Contractors Association.
Jean was a member of the Martha Rebekah Lodge #21. Jean joined the Martha Rebekahs in 1975 and held many positions including the highest officership, Noble Grand. She served on every committee at the local lodge and was chosen to serve on multiple state staffs traveling throughout Delaware.
Jean was an avid supporter of Laurel Bulldogs sports. She volunteered as much as she could to transport the girls’ teams to their various away games and cheer them on.
Every summer, Jean enjoyed relaxing around the backyard pool where family and friends would gather for swimming, backyard BBQs, and games. In retirement, Jean and Stanley enjoyed visiting the Harrington Racetrack and Casino where Jean had a knack for beating the slot machine.
Above all her accomplishments, Jean’s life was dedicated to her loving husband, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, family, and friends. Jean is survived by her daughter Valerie Smith (Rebecca Hopkins); son Robert Smith (Dana); her grandchildren Scott Smith (Lindsey), Amelia Smith Dorsey (Kevin), Emma Smith Hexter (Christopher), and Emily Haskins-Smith (Robert Butler); her great-grandchildren Taylor Smith Kirk (Caleb), Madison Smith, Reagan Smith, Everett Joel Hexter, and a forthcoming great-grandson Baby Dorsey; her great-great-grandson Cason; her step-grandchildren Autumn Metzner and Tyler Metzner; her sister, Doris Lowe Dayton (Herbert); and numerous nieces, nephews, and family members.
In addition to her parents, she was pre-deceased by her husband Stanley John Smith, her oldest son Alan Smith (Nancy), and her brother Robert Lowe (Nancy).
Funeral services will be held on Sunday April 13 at the Cranston Funeral Home in Seaford. Visitation will be from 1 to 2 p.m.. Funeral service at 2 p.m. with Pastor Larry Whaley officiating. A funeral reception will be held afterward at the Oddfellow Lodge located at 319 S. Poplar Street in Laurel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Martha Rebekah Lodge #21 in Jean’s name, PO Box 146 Laurel DE 19956.. If unable to attend those wishing to sign the guest book may do so through Cranston Funeral Home website, www.cranstonfuneralhome.com.