Denise D. Smith

     Denise “Neecer” Danielle Smith, 55, of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania, passed away on Sunday, December 7, at The Gatehouse, surrounded by her family after a courageous and grace-filled battle with cancer. She was a true warrior!

     Born on December 15, 1969, in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Denise was the beloved daughter of the late Phyllis and Paul Shultz. She grew up in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, where she built lifelong friendships and developed the warmth, kindness, and strength that would define her throughout her life. She graduated from Williamsport Area High School in 1987.

     Denise married the love of her life, James Daniel Smith, Sr., and together they shared 38 beautiful years of marriage, celebrating their anniversary on August 8, 2025. Their life together was filled with unwavering devotion, laughter, and a deep, steady love that centered their family--a love that reflected the words of 1 Corinthians 13, patient, and kind, enduring all things. If you had the honor of being in the presence of Denise and Jim at the same time, they would inevitably begin sharing stories of their many “escapades,” often dissolving into giggles like newlyweds. Their love for each other was unmistakable and deeply felt by everyone around them.

     Denise poured her whole heart into her three children: James “Jimmy” Daniel Smith, Jr. of Conestoga, Pennsylvania; Valerie Welch (Tyler) of Jersey Shore, Pennsylvania; and Kaitlyn Smith (fiancé Deklin Versace) of Chicago, Illinois. They were her greatest joy and purpose. “Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Proverbs 31:28 Denise had a true spiritual gift for cooking--feeding others was her love language. She welcomed family and friends with meals made from the heart, creating warm memories around her table that will be cherished forever.

     Professionally, Denise devoted herself to serving others. As a Lead Community Health Worker with Geisinger Medical Health Systems, she touched countless lives through her compassion, empathy, and unwavering commitment to helping those in need. She also gave back to her community through a decade of service on the Jersey Shore Board of Education, where she worked to support local students, families, and schools--an extension of the deep care she had for her community.

     Prior to her illness, Denise embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. She loved scratch-off lottery tickets, playing Bingo, and entering online sweepstakes, and she was incredibly lucky--winning numerous trips over the years, including unforgettable experiences such as attending the Oscars in Los Angeles and traveling to the World Cup in South Africa. Denise also enjoyed spending time at their family lake house in upstate New York and feeding anyone who came to visit--another extension of her generous, welcoming heart. Her stories of adventure and her open-door spirit always brought smiles to those around her.

     Denise is survived by her adoring husband and her beloved children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phyllis and Paul Shultz, and her sister-in-law, Pam Shultz. She is also survived by her brother, Mark Shultz of Ball Ground, Georgia, and her sister, Michelle Eck (Alan) of Cumming, Georgia, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

     In keeping with her wishes, there will be no visitation or funeral. A celebration of Denise’s life will be held at her church, the Immaculate Conception Church, in the spring at the convenience of the family, where loved ones can gather to honor her memory in the way she would have wanted--surrounded by warmth, stories, and togetherness--and of course good food.

     In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Relief Services at https://www.crs.org/ in memory of Denise. Denise will be remembered for the love she poured into her family, the kindness she showed to everyone she met, and the joy she found in life’s simple moments. Her legacy lives on in the people she cared for, the meals she shared, the laughter she sparked, and the many lives she touched. She will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her, and she will be missed tremendously.

     Arrangements are entrusted to Frederick B. Welker Funeral Home, Jersey Shore. www.WelkerFuneralHome.com

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