On July 14, 2014 Rachel Joan McGee Smith joined her Lord and Savior in heaven. Known by her friends as JoAnn and appropriately named "Amour" by her grandchildren, she exuded love in all that she said and did. Joan will be remembered for her deep faith in Christ, her graciousness, her wisdom, and her gentle strength.

Mrs. Smith was born on December 27, 1930, to Balie and Lucille McGee in Whiteville, Tennessee. Her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee when she was a young child. She graduated from Treadwell High School, and went on to study at Memphis State University. As a speech and English major, Joan was active in the Memphis Little Theater, a news reporter for WMPS radio, and a national winner in debate and oratory.

Joan was the wife of Robert Harvey Smith for sixty-five years. They married on June 25, 1949 in Memphis and moved to Greenwood, Mississippi in 1954. A selfless wife, mother, and grandmother, she gave all of herself to her family, her church, and her community. Known for her beautiful speaking voice, Joan gave numerous book reviews for church and civic groups, recitations, and fashion show commentaries.

As an active member of First United Methodist Church, Joan served on the Staff Parish Committee, was a life member of the United Methodist Women, wrote and directed numerous church plays and programs, was a leader for the Methodist Youth Fellowship, and taught many Sunday School classes and church circles. She taught Explorer's Bible Study for five years.

As a charter member, Joan named the women's club, Lebonte, meaning "benevolent." She served as president of Lebonte and was a life member of the Greenwood Junior Auxiliary. During her years with Lebonte, she and other members treated schools in the area to their wonderful productions of children's plays as cast members. Joan enjoyed her time with the Town and Country Garden Club, the Garden Club of Mississippi, and her bridge club. Visiting her home was a treat as she was the most gracious hostess, always sincerely interested in you and your family. In 1977 Joan co-chaired A Christmas Happening, a grand three-day event, raising funds for the Church. Among her most fun philanthropic efforts was her production and direction of The Gong Show, which showcased the many talents of Greenwood High School students and raised all of the money needed for their band trip to Disney World in 1978.

After the tragic loss of her son, Bart, in an accident, she ministered to countless others suffering similarly. As a beloved and trusted friend to many, she always had the most soothing and perfect words of encouragement. Although she was an admired leader and an example to us all, she remained most humble and saw herself foremost as a wife, mother, and a child of God.

Mrs. Smith was preceded in death by her son, David Barton Smith; her parents, her sisters-in-law Jo Page McGee and Geraldine Smith Peters. She is survived by her husband Robert H. Smith, her son Robert Brent Smith and his wife Laura, of Oxford, MS; her daughter Stacie Smith Crim and her husband Bill, of Jackson, MS; her five grandchildren David Barton Smith II and Aynslee Alexander Smith of Oxford, MS, and William Lee Crim III, Rachel Barton Crim, and Robert Balie Crim of Jackson, MS; her brother Dale Gassaway McGee and his wife Jan, of Memphis, TN; her nephews Lyle Vinson McGee of Monroe, LA and Michael Wade McGee, of Atlanta, GA; her sister-in-law Christine Smith Eller of Elizabethton, TN; and two nieces Teresa Peters Broome and her husband Rick of Elizabethton, TN; and Sharon Peters Purdy of Arlington, TX; and several great nieces and nephews..

Visitation will be on Thursday, July 17, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the sanctuary of First United Methodist Church in Greenwood, and on July 18 at 9:45 a.m. followed by the service in the sanctuary at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be at 3:00 p.m. at Memorial Park in Memphis, TN. Wilson & Knight Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Bart Smith, William Crim, Balie Crim, Lyle McGee, Philip Gould, and James Shackelford.

The family would like to thank her caregivers Norma and Jessica Firrow, Dr. Kenneth Hines, Sta-Home and Hospice and nurses Lauren Bailey, Ora King, and Wendy West.

Memorials may be made to The Bart Smith Memorial Scholarship Fund at First United Methodist Church, 310 West Washington Street, Greenwood, MS 38930.