Obituary of Jace Smothers
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
JACE ASHTON-LEE “SMO” SMOTHERS
Jace Ashton-Lee Smothers, age 19, of Norton, Ks., went home to his Lord and Savior
on June 28, 2019 as a result of injuries sustained in a motor vehicle accident near Paducah, Ky. Jace was serving on staff with Christ in Youth this summer, and they were on their way to Tennessee. Jace was born December 29, 1999 in Oberlin, Kan. to Terry and Sharon (Owen) Smothers.
Jace attended Norton schools, and graduated from Norton Community High School in 2018. He was a member of the Jay Singers, and participated in Java Jive, choir, forensics, drama club, pep band, and the band, where he received the John Philip Sousa Award. He also loved playing piano, his guitar, and his tuba, and won multiple awards at the local and state level. Jace was also a member of the Norton Christian Church, where he was actively involved with the youth group, student leadership team, and Norton Christian Church youth worship team.
Jace always showed up with home-baked goodies, which were often requested by other youth group members. Jace loved to bake and share with all. He attended Christ in Youth Move the last three years, growing in his faith and inspiring others with his passion and love of being a Kingdom worker. He was also involved in “D Now”, where he volunteered his parents to host and mentor a group of junior high men for “D Now” weekend. The boys were inspired to grow in their faith and walk with God. Jace was also involved with the Norton Christian Church missionary that traveled twice to Mexico, where he was known as “El Toro”, and traveled once to the Dominican Republic, where he was called “Gargantua” by the children of the families served. Hearing of Jace’s missionary travels and passion for spreading the word, he was asked to write a story for the Norton Telegram. This article was published in May of 2018, and will be republished for all to read.
Jace completed his first year at Ozark Christian College, majoring in youth ministry. Jace’s study tip was to laminate study cards so the tears would roll off. While attending school, he volunteered and mentored kids in the Joplin community through the Young Life organization, was active in Men’s Encounter, and served as a dorm dad at Lakeview Christian Camp. Last year, while at Men’s Encounter, Jace baptized his father, Terry, in the Holy Spirit. Jace and other Ozark Christian College students also traveled to multiple communities, ministering to local congregations where many lives were touched. Jace found his calling and grew even deeper in his faith, and enjoyed his life by spreading the Gospel and inspiring others to seek the Good News! He found a new family at Ozark Christian College through the professors, students, and others along his journey.
Jace was known for his infectious laugh, big heart, goofy smile, killer dance moves, and his love for God. He will be dearly missed by all lives he touched around the world. Jace loved his life, and was living large!
Jace is survived by his parents, Terry and Sharon, Norton, Ks.; his siblings: Tabbatha Scott, Lawrence, Ks.; Bronson, and wife, Danielle, Hays, Ks.; Brock, and wife, Amie, Norton, Ks.; Jonathan, and fiancé, Amanda, Nebraska City, Ne.; Krisondra, and fiancé, Nick, Kearney, Ne.; his girlfriend, Autumn Murphy, Liberty, Ky.; along with 10 nieces and nephews, as well as another nephew expected to arrive in August. He also leaves behind his maternal grandparents, Bill and JoAnn Owen, Hill City, Ks. Jace is preceded in death by a maternal great-grandmother, an uncle, a first cousin, a second cousin, a niece, and an unborn baby. Too numerous to list, he leaves behind many aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and friends.
2 Corinthians 5:8 “we are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord.”
Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again. Love you Jace!
FUNERAL SERVICE – Wednesday, July 3, 2019 – 10:30 A.M.
PLACE – Norton Christian Church – Norton, Kansas
VISITATION – Tuesday, July 2, 2019 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM
at Enfield Funeral Home in Norton.
INTERMENT – Norton Cemetery – Norton, Kansas
MEMORIALS – A memorial has been established to the Ozark Christian College in Jace’s name.
