Jean S. Koch

Jean S. Koch, 84, of Smiths Station, AL passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 3, 2016 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, AL.

Funeral service will be held 10:00 am EST Friday, January 8, 2016 at Vance Memorial Chapel in Phenix City with Pastor Junior White officiating.  Interment will follow at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.  The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm EST at the funeral home.

Mrs. Koch was born June 1, 1931 in Elba, AL to the late Eddie Clarence Smart and Gertrude Hudson Smart.  She was retired from Fieldcrest Mills and was a member of Woodland Baptist Church in Phenix City.  She enjoyed spending time with her church family and was a member of Happy Hearts at Woodland Baptist Church.  She loved arts and crafts, family time, and traveling and camping in the RV.  Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jacob Justice Koch, and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter, Mary Prather and husband Ed of Columbus, GA, a son, William “Bill” Knicely and Vickie Prather of Smiths Station, AL, two sisters, Peggy Muse, and Bonnie Batts and husband Carl, both of Smiths Station, AL, one brother, Douglas Smart and wife Dean of Kennesaw, GA; (5) grandchildren, Sherry Evans (Lee), Lisa Norsworthy (Jim), Adam Prather (Shannon), Wade Prather (Brooke), and Andrew Knicely, (13) great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, other loving family members and many caring friends.

Flowers are welcome or contributions may be made to the Woodland Baptist Church Happy Hearts Auxiliary.  Online condolences may be made at www.vancememorialchapel.net