Judith JoAnn Thornton Smith, 79, of Opelika, Alabama, went to be with her heavenly father on Aug. 3, 2023, at Arbor Springs Health and Rehab in Opelika.
JoAnn, as she was known by her family and friends, was born May 8, 1944, in Wetumpka, Alabama, to Connie Thornton and Bonnie Lee Duke Thornton. JoAnn was a graduate of Holtville High School and attended Massey-Draughton Business College in Montgomery, later working in the Alabama State Capital as a secretary. She held other jobs throughout her life, but is best known for being a loving and caring wife and mother to her three daughters. The neighborhood kids of PineKnoll loving referred to her as Mrs. JoAnn, because they knew that she always had something good to eat or drink for them.
JoAnn is preceded in death by her parents, Connie and Bonnie Thornton and her husband of 57 years, Marvin Tyrie Smith.
JoAnn is survived by her three daughters, three son-in-laws and five grandchildren: Susan King (Mike), Debra Teague (Charlie), and Joey Mayhand (Jeff). Alexandria Lewis (Greg), Abby King, Grayson Teague, Tristan Mayhand, and Bethany Teague.
A graveside service is planned for Saturday, Aug. 12, 2023, at 11 a.m. CDT at Mt. Hebron Cemetery located beside Crossroads Community Church in Wetumpka, Alabama. Pastor Thad Endicott will be officiating the service.
Fredrick-Dean Funeral Home of Opelika is handling all arrangements.