November 10, 1956-June 28, 2026
JoLynn Smith, 69, of Overland Park, Kansas, passed away peacefully on June 28th 2026 while at home.
Born on November 10th 1956 in Wichita, KS, she was the child of Donald R. Smith and Phyllis Smith (Harrington). JoLynn attended public school in Wichita, KS, graduating from Wichita East High School. She worked a variety of jobs through her adult life, including positions in radio broadcasting, print media, office professional assistant, doll and toy repair specialist, and dock worker. JoLynn was never scared of putting in a full day’s work, a trait that she passed along to her children. After her children were born, she was a full-time home maker for over a decade, a task that she was always passionate about. She was immensely involved in her children’s experience in school, especially with Colin, for whom she blazed new roads to ensure integration and inclusion despite his physical disabilities. JoLynn believed heartily in the value of education, and would take on the challenge of obtaining her Associates Degree in Interior Design from Johnson County Community College, graduating in 2003.
JoLynn enjoyed gardening her entire life, both vegetable and flower. She was especially fond of tending rose bushes, and tomato plants. She was never one to turn down a trip to a farmer’s market, and would turn the spoils of those trips into wonderful meals. JoLynn had a way in the kitchen that helped her three children appreciate spice and flavor in everything they ate. JoLynn’s appreciation of flavor didn’t end in the kitchen; the radio presets in her car varied from classic rock like Tom Petty and David Bowie, to modern rock cranked out by The Smashing Pumpkins, REM and even heavier tracks from Nine Inch Nails. Beastie Boys CD’s were present and so were Prince, Talking Heads, and many others. JoLynn found peace and clarity through music and the different ways the different genres spoke to her. Her energy always brought joy to those around her. Often described as “being just the sweetest person”, she knew no enemies, and made friends at every turn.
JoLynn was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Lank (2007, Wichita, KS); and her father, Donald R. Smith (2018, Hays, TX).
JoLynn is survived by son Lucas Olenick (Mary; Basehor, KS), son Colin Olenick (Olathe, KS), daughter Abigail
Olenick (Kansas City, MO); sister, Mindy Cooper (Wichita, KS), brother, Don Smith (Beth; Portland, OR), sister,
Lee Ann Lank McKinney (Rick; Wichita, KS), sister, Laurie Moffitt (Mike; Wichita, KS), sister, Lesa Lank (Wichita, KS) and Bonus-Father, Jim Lank (Wichita, KS). A gaggle of nieces and nephews, two Grandchildren and a wide number of tag-alongs over the years that simply called her “Mom” and “Momma-Jo”.
In honoring JoLynn’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held on July 14th, 2026 at 3:00pm until 5:00pm at Porter Funeral Home, 8535 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS 66215. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Friends of KCK Animal Services, 3301 Park Drive, Kansas City, KS, kckasdonations@gmail.com. JoLynn loved stray animals of all sizes and breeds, and always believed in adopting. We feel she would appreciate helping those that help the strays.
A reception will be held at “The 403 Club”, 614 Reynolds Ave, Kansas City, KS 66101, from 6:30pm until your bellies are full, hearts are calmed, and some have tears dried. Catered BBQ and drinks.
