This is a most fitting tribute to the life of Jean Smith that Prince William County is bestowing upon her memory. I applaud the Prince William County Park Authority for choosing to name the amphitheater after Jean.
As Marty Nohe put it:
“This is a very fitting memorial to Jean, given the family’s role in the community and interest in the arts,” said Prince William County Supervisor Martin E. Nohe (R-Coles). “Jean was a community activist, and I think it is wonderful the Park Authority is naming something after her.”
. . .
“She was the world’s greatest stage mother, always supporting her kids and other kids,” Nohe said. “She was active in the performing arts and how they relate to young people. The amphitheater was the kind of thing Jean would always be very excited about.”
And Jean’s daughter Sarah said:
“I think this is perfect, and she always loved the amphitheater,” said Sarah Smith, 22. “She lived there for a month every summer helping me when I directed drama camp. We would sit and daydream together about what kind of concerts we could have at the amphitheater. We always wanted to open it up for more youth and teen productions.”
It is a tragedy that Jean and her son won’t be there for those productions, but I am certain that they will be watching over them from above.
