Shan Starr Graham Smith

Shan Starr Graham Smith passed away early Thursday morning, June 1, 2023 at the age of 58 after a 
long and difficult illness.
Shan was born in Chatanooga, Tennessee on May 18, 1965, and was a true Southern Belle. She grew up 
in the town of Red Bank where she atended school and partcipated in both school and community 
actvites. As a child she atended the Baptst Church in her community but also frequented the church 
in Jasper, TN where her grandfather, Billy Martin was a pastor. Shan loved doing things for other 
people, arranging events, and giving her time and money to people and causes she cared about. 
Christmas was her favorite holiday because she could give without reason.
As a child, Shan’s family not only had lots of pets but also raised show dogs. As a result, Shan 
became an avid animal lover and always had dogs and cats as treasured pets, partcularly Lhasa Apso 
dogs and Persian cats. Ater high school Shan attended dog grooming school and that is how she 
initially launched her career.
Shan moved to South Florida in 1984 to be closer to her mother and sisters who had moved there 
previously. Ater moving to Florida, Shan worked as a cosmetologist and esthetician, got into the 
brokerage industry with Dean Witer Reynolds where she started as a clerk, moved to an assistant 
stockbroker, and finally a regional compliance officer. She also worked in various industries in 
management positons and volunteered and worked at animal shelters and hospitals.
In late 2001, Shan met her husband Glen, they married and had a beautiful daughter, Jere Savannah 
Starr Smith in 2003. Savannah currently attends Palm Beach State College and works at an exclusive 
Palm Beach hotel.
Shan had a sharp wit and keen sense of humor. The stories she told were laced with visual imagery 
and funny situations that left her listeners spellbound or rolling in the aisles with laughter. She 
was most often the center of attention and the life of the party. And yet, she could also be stern and 
stubborn and had a knack for resolving issues in her favor through tactful negotiations.
Shan will be deeply missed by her friends and family. She was preceded in death by her parents Jere 
Hope Graham and Bety Jane Martin. Shan is survived by her husband, daughter, sisters Wyndi Parker 
and Kim Graham Karson, brother James Graham, and numerous extended family
members. A private memorial and scatering service will be held later in the summer.