Date of Birth
March 8, 1994
Date of Death
January 1, 2026
Location
Spartanburg, South Carolina
Cause of Death
Pre-Eclampsia
Who She Was
Her Story
With hearts filled with profound sorrow, we honor and celebrate the extraordinary life of Dr. Janell Ashlynn Green Smith, DNP, CNM a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished sister, treasured friend, accomplished colleague, and faithful servant of God. Born on March 8,1994, Janell was the youngest of three children born to the late Jeffery Green and the late Vernell Green Pendergrast. She was preceded in death by her beloved brother Raynardo Pender.
On January 1,2026 just days after giving birth to her beautiful daughter, Eden Verne Smith, Janell peacefully transitioned from labor to reward, surrounded by love and held close by her devoted husband Daiquan Vernez Smith. Together they shared a life rooted in faith, love, and family. Janell leaves to cherish her memory her loving sister Jessica S. Green, Grandmother Mary Pender (the late David Pender, Sr) Aunt Monica Pender of Charleston, SC., Uncles David (Samera) Pender of Charlotte, NC., Jonathan (Norma) Green of Denver, CO. Derrick (Betty)Green of Charleston, SC, beloved cousins, Aaliyah Pender, Quantell Pender. Jaedyn Pender, Zarriana Pender, Rendell Pender, and David ” Puba” Pender all of Charleston, SC. Cherished in-laws Mushell Smith of Allendale, SC. Alfonsia Rivers of Atlanta, GA., Rogdreka Rivers (Cierra) of Charlotte, NC., Rachelle (Lonzo) Buckner of Varnville,SC., Destiny Rivers of Barnwell, SC. Deanza Collins of Hattiesburg, MS. and Chanel Hamilton of Savannah, GA. Dr. C. Nichole Wardlaw, DNP. CNM. FACNM, Chesapeake, VA. and Gwendolyn J Bampfield, Esq. Hampton, SC., A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, godchildren, other relatives and dear friends whom she deeply loved.
Janell’s extended family was vast and held an especially meaningful place in her heart. Each relationship was treasured, each bond unique. She was also blessed with close friendships including Tyler Mitchell, Shanice Gathers and Danielle Akins, whose companionship brought her great joy.
An accomplished scholar and passionate educator Janell graduated 2012 West Ashley High School in Charleston, SC. She was a proud graduate of The University of South Carolina 2016, Master of Science in Nurse Midwifery in 2021 from Frontier Nursing University and earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice in 2024. As an Adjunct Nursing Professor in Women’s Health Clinical at Clemson University School of Nursing, Dr. Smith dedicated herself to mentoring future nurses, fostering an engaging, compassionate and supportive learning environment. Janell’s midwifery journey began at The Charleston Birthplace and concluded at Greenville Midwifery, Prisma Health Greenville where she is credited with assisting collectively in more than 300 births. Prior to her specialization, she served as a registered nurse with Aya Healthcare Travel Nursing and the Medical University of South Carolina in Labor and Delivery. Throughout her career, Janell provided compassionate, patient-centered care, walking confidently in her calling with grace, strength, and purpose.
A rising leader in her field Janell was a proud member of the National Black Midwives Alliance. Her passion for advocacy and commitment maternal health left a lasting impact on her community and profession. She served on numerous committees and organizations, tirelessly advocating for the safe and healthy delivery of babies. Her legacy will continue through her daughter, family and future generations of midwives inspired by her life and work. Beyond her professional calling Janell was a gifted photographer with a passion for capturing pre and post maternity moments. This love led her to establish J. Ashlynn Photography LLC in 2020.
Janell’s faith was the cornerstone of her life, she was a devoted member of The Purpose Place Church in Spartanburg, SC. under the leadership of Pastors Kenneth and Natasha Leonard. She faithfully served on the Medical Squad, Intercessors, Safe Ladies Ministry, and was also an active member of the Ruthless Women, a sisterhood rooted in encouragement and support.
Janell’s life was a testament to quiet strength, unwavering faith, and boundless love. To know her was to be loved by her, she gave generously, laughed freely, and walked humbly with her God. We celebrate her life; we honor her legacy, and we are forever better because she loved us.