Joann Smiley Smith

Joann Smiley Smith, 82, wife of Rev. Max E. Smith, died October 14 at 1:35 a.m. at Southwest Hospice Care Center, Union City, GA. Joann valiantly fought COPD for an extended time. She was a faithful Christ Follower and was ready to go to her heavenly home. She indeed fought the good fight of faith.

She was the daughter of the late Joseph Wheeler Collins and Jesama Biggers Collins. Joann was a native of East Point, attended Richard Russel High School and worked in her dad’s pharmacy soda shop on Sylvan Avenue.

While living in Savannah, GA and Glennville, GA she taught in and later developed many kindergarten programs.  Early in her career she was selected to be the Director of the Jewish Education Development School for Pre-schoolers in Savannah.

After moving to Gumbranch, GA she renewed her love for horses, competing and winning several honors in barrel racing and Western Show.

Additionally she loved cooking, travel, fishing, water sports and attending her sons’ sporting events.

As a charter member of Memorial Baptist Church in Savannah and later as a member of Gumbranch Baptist Church, Lakewood Baptist Church in Gainesville, GA, First Christian Church in Bradenton, FL, and most recently as a member of Lester Road Christian Church in Fairburn, GA Joann always loved and supported mission enterprises.

Over the years she served as WMU Director, Children’s Ministry leader, and as a Grief Share Ministry Director.  She also traveled to Russia on a mission trip to serve children in orphanages.

Joann was a loving, devoted and supportive spouse first to James Harry Smiley and then to the Rev. Max E. Smith.  She took great joy in loving and encouraging her sons and daughters-in-law as well as her 10 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Joann was known by her gregarious and winsome personality, her unwavering conviction of the person, nature and character of Jesus Christ, and her unwavering commitment to the local church.  She demonstrated a strong compassion for the less fortunate and always fought for the underdog. She simply never met a stranger.

Her family is certain that she heard, “Well done.  You were a good and faithful servant.”

Joann’s sons and family wish to express great appreciation to Max Smith for his kindness, love and faithfulness to Joann during her last years. In addition, the family expresses thankfulness for the ministry of the staff of Southwest Christian Hospice Care.

Joann is survived by her husband Rev. Max E. Smith of Union City; sons and daughters in law, James Harry, Jr. (Jim) Smiley and Mitzi of Stone Mountain, Dr. Tom Smiley and Terri of Gainesville; step sons, Rev. Daniel Smith (Deborah) of Bradenton, FL and Rev. Timothy Smith (Deborah) of Milledgeville, GA; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren. Also surviving are sister, June Collins Johnson and husband Wendell of Dubois, WY; brother, Dr. James T. Collins and wife Kathy of Atlanta, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, James Harry Smiley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Southwest Christian Hospice Care, 7225 Lester Road, Union City, GA or to Christian City Children’s Village, 7225 Lester Road Union City, GA.

Funeral services will be held­­­­ on Monday, October 16, at 1:00pm at Lakewood Baptist Church.  Reverend Don Ormsbee, Reverend Tyler Smiley and Dr. Tom Smiley will officiate. Interment will be held on Tuesday, October 17, at 11:00am at Gumbranch Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends after the service at the church on Monday.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA  30504 is in charge of arrangements.

Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.