There’s something magnetic about the Smith-Pace-Turner household. Maybe it’s the laughter that erupts spontaneously around their dinner table, the warmth in their greetings, or the unshakable unity of a blended family that makes “together” look effortless. Nestled across the street from Lapeer Lightning’s Sports Stadium, where the roars of Friday night football echo through their living room windows, Jack and Carrie Smith have built more than just a house—they’ve cultivated a legacy rooted in love, laughter, and deep community ties.
Jack Smith, 55, and Carrie Smith, 56, are more than a dynamic duo—they’re the backbone of a sprawling and joyfully connected family. Jack’s kids by heart—Donovan Pace (28) and his wife Kery (29), Veronica Turner (24), and Lance Turner (22)—grew up in a household where unconditional love trumped genetics. The family tree extends further with treasured bonus children from previous marriages: Kevin (Amy) Lucik, Meghan (Aaron) Fenslau, and Hunter Turner, along with four beloved grandchildren—Jackson and Shepherd Fenslau, and Finley and Easton Lucik.
Jack and Carrie’s love story began with serendipity—first meeting as young attendants in a mutual friend’s wedding in the 1990s. Though they went their separate ways, fate circled back years later, thanks to a little matchmaking magic the day before Thanksgiving. Sparks flew, hearts aligned, and on June 4, 2011, they were married in the backyard of their North Branch home, surrounded by their children and closest friends. That day didn’t just mark the beginning of their marriage; it was the official debut of “Team TPS” (Turner-Pace-Smith), a name they proudly used while geocaching and vacationing. Their fondest memories together are of camping trips, beachside laughs, and family road adventures that deepened their bond and built a collection of treasured moments.
Their home is vibrant not just because of the people, but because of the lives they lead. Carrie is a Lapeer East alum (Class of ’87) with a Marketing BBA from U of M-Flint and a Master’s in Education from Ferris State. She poured her heart into her role as a marketing teacher at Lapeer County Ed Tech from 2000 until her retirement in 2023. These days, she channels her talent and care into Perfect Peace Memorials, where she serves as owner and office manager.
Jack, a graduate of Durand High School and Ferris State University with degrees in Facility Management and Architecture, is a full-time Realtor with Coldwell Banker Professionals in Lapeer. He also installs memorials for Perfect Peace alongside Donovan. With more than two decades of project management experience, Jack now balances his professional life with passions for golf, live music, and cheering on Michigan’s best: the Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, and Ferris State Bulldogs.
The couple’s devotion to community is a shared calling. Both are active at Country Christian Church and involved in events and organizations like Bike Night, the Lapeer Symphony Orchestra, the Optimist Club, Spring Expo, and the Lapeer Days Parade. Carrie lends her talents to several local boards including LifeWise Academy and Virtual Enterprises International, while also serving as part of Lapeer Ed Tech’s Advisory Board. Jack contributes his time to the Wolverine Christian Service Camp and Lapeer Area Entrepreneurs, adding his signature smile and generous spirit to every cause.
The next generation of this family are just as remarkable. Donovan and Veronica are integral to the family business—Donovan, with his quiet strength and humor, installs memorials with Jack. Veronica, a recent Ferris State Human Resources graduate, brings empathy and creativity to the monument design process. Kery, Donovan’s wife, works at Lacada, where she passionately supports underserved populations and expresses her creativity through writing and vintage collecting. Lance, the youngest, is known for his compassionate heart, longboarding skills, and interest in making the world a better place.
Even the family pets add flavor to this household. Poppy, the effervescent six-year-old Aussiedor, is not only the memorial business’s unofficial greeter, but Jack’s lovable sidekick at Coldwell Banker. Meanwhile, the feline residents—Daisy (Carrie and Jack’s shy calico), Magnus (Donovan and Kery’s vocal sidekick), and Veronica’s hefty, quirky pair Smokie and Hutch—round out the clan’s vibrant personality.
Living just steps away from Lapeer’s walking trails and stadium action, the Smiths relish the sound of community life in motion. “We get to see our neighbors walking their dogs, chatting, living life,” Carrie says. “It reminds us every day how blessed we are to be right here.” Their appreciation for Lapeer runs deep—especially the revitalized downtown, local parades, and events that bring people together. They frequently show their support through sponsorships and participation, always eager to give back to the community that feels more like family.
The family business, Perfect Peace Memorials, was born from both opportunity and divine timing. Longtime community members Jim and Kim McComb were ready to pass the torch of McComb Monument to new owners who would treat it with heart. Carrie, stepping away from her teaching career, and Jack, looking for a deeper purpose, embraced the challenge. With prayer, mentorship, and faith, they took over the business, rebranding it as Perfect Peace Memorials in a nod to Isaiah 26:3. Their mission? To serve families with kindness, reverence, and grace during life’s most delicate moments.
Their humor shines even in the hardest lines of work. “Jack and Donovan install monuments in cemeteries every day,” Carrie laughs. “No one complains! And if they do, we’ve got bigger problems!”
As for family traditions, don’t be surprised if you catch them in spontaneous song and dance—or gathered around the table for “Soup Sundays” during the colder months. Holidays are cherished, too. Christmas 2024 was extra special, with the family trading gifts for an unforgettable trip to Traverse City. The fun was so memorable that another holiday getaway is already on the books for 2025. And although their seasonal home in Caseville has been sold, you’ll often find Jack, Carrie, and Poppy unwinding on Lake Nepessing or planning their next getaway—Sandpoint, Idaho is next.
Their family motto says it all: “Family isn’t defined by blood, it’s defined by love.” And it’s that very love that has shaped every corner of their lives—from their backyard wedding to their deeply rooted business and neighborhood connections. Whether they’re helping a grieving family, organizing a local event, or simply sharing a meal together, the Smith-Pace-Turner family embodies what it means to live and love intentionally.
So next time you're near the Lapeer Lightning stadium or strolling the trails, wave to Jack and Carrie. You might just hear the distant bark of Poppy, a friendly hello from the porch, or even the faint melody of a spontaneous family sing-along.
Photography by: Todoroff Media