Josephine Polan Smith
(April 10, 1918 - October 13, 2011)

Josephine Polan Smith, 93, of Huntington, WV, daughter of the late Dr. Lake Polan and Bertha Handler Polan, passed away October 13, 2011, at the Hospice House, Huntington, WV. Josie was born in Huntington on April 10, 1918. After graduating from Huntington High School, she received a bachelor's degree from Barnard University and a master's degree from Columbia University in New York City, NY. Josie then moved to Washington DC, where she worked in human resources during WWII. After the war, Josie returned to Huntington where she met and married Bernard Henry Smith of Charleston. Along with raising their four sons, Josie was active in several civic organizations. As President of the Board of Directors for Branches Domestic Violence, she was instrumental in the purchasing of the Branches Shelter. Josie also served on the Board of Directors for the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Tri State and the local chapter of the American Cancer Society. She served as a Docent with the Huntington Museum of Art. Josie was a member of the Sisterhood of B'Nai Shalom Temple where she assisted with the development of the Temple's food bank. Among all of her achievements, Josie was most proud of her four sons. She served as President of the PTA of Miller Elementary and was a tireless tennis mom.
Josie is preceded in death by not only her parents but also her five brothers: Albert, Edwin Gabriel, Lincoln Milton, Charles and Lake Polan, Jr. Josie is survived by her husband of 63 years, Bernard Henry Smith and their four sons and their families: Mark and Janie Smith, Plano, TX., Jeffrey and Susie Smith, Gabe and Joanie Smith and Steven Smith of Huntington. Josie is also survived by her five grandchildren and their families: Stephen Smith and Sara Whitaker of Chicago, Il., Allison and Dave Ondocsin of Carrolton, TX., Annie Smith of Lexington, KY., Alex Smith and his fiance Brittney Hughart, and Jeffrey Smith of Huntington. Grandson Stephen Smith and his wife Sara Whitaker are expecting Josie's first great grandson in January, 2012. Josie is survived by several special nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She held all of her family close to her heart especially her niece Sidney Polan who Josie considered to be like a daughter and her niece Marilyn Polan. The Polan Smith family is grateful for the kindness, compassion and care extended by the staff of The Woodlands and the Emogene Dolin Jones Hospice House of Huntington. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to Branches Domestic Violence Shelter or Hospice of Huntington. A graveside ceremony will be held Sunday, October 16, 2011, 2:30 pm at Spring Hill Cemetery, Huntington, WV by Rabbi Jean E. Eglinton. Interment will follow.