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Sept. 12, 1931 – May 8, 2024

NATCHEZ – Jeanette Smith Balkcom, age 92, passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 8, 2024. She was born on Sept. 12, 1931, in Port Gibson, MS, and was a lifelong Natchez resident.

She married Paul Balkcom of Midland City, AL in 1947. They were together for more than 50 years. She attended Lovely Lane Methodist Church for over 70 years serving as a Sunday school teacher and various other roles over the years.  She worked for Burns Shoe Store for over 30 years. Her hands were rarely still as she was always crocheting, gardening, painting, or baking in her free time.  She shared her love through food and gifts she made with her family, friends, and neighbors. She was a storyteller too.

Jeanette is survived by one brother, Ronnie (Jean) Smith; two daughters, Janice (Jerry) Peacock and Debbie Edwards and favorite son-in-law, Bob Edwards; seven grandchildren, Jason (Bonnie) Berggren, Christie (Karl) Buresh, Jennifer (Aaron) Holler, Jerilynn (Chris) Davis, William (Megan) Peacock, Peyton (Becky) Edwards, Brooke (Kelly) Olivier; 14 great-grandchildren, Josh and Eva Berggren, Holleigh Buresh, Kenneth, Kristian and Ashleigh Holler, Kylie Davis-Gifford, Dallin and Devon Davis, Margot and Royce Peacock, Zachary and Nicholas Edwards and Mallory Mitchell; three great-great-grandchildren, Owen Holler and Noah and Isaac Davis; several nieces, nephews and her Lovely Lane church family.

Jeanette is preceded in death by her parents, Howard and Agnes Smith; husband, Paul Balkcom; brother Mike Smith; and great-grandchild, Silas Thomas Mitchell.

Please join us for a graveside service celebrating her life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery. Burial will follow under the direction of Laird Funeral Home. The family will greet friends at Laird Funeral Home on Saturday, May 18, 2024, from 12:30 until 1:30 p.m., prior to the graveside service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to disabled veterans, DAV.ORG, or donate by phone, at 877-647-VETS (8387).

Online condolences may be sent to the family at lairdfh.com.