Joan Smith

Joan was born in Terre Haute, Indiana on May 16, 1941, to the late Cornelius and Genevieve Hargis. She grew up on a farm and gained a love and respect for all animals. My favorite story is one that involved a pet flying squirrel who loved to drink Kool-aid from your glass while sitting on your shoulder. Unfortunately, a neighbor stopped by and was offered Kool-aide and the squirrel decided to share the beverage with the unsuspecting neighbor lady who was surprised and startled to have a friendly squirrel jump on her shoulder, that she threw her Kool-aide up in the air and screamed running out of the house.

Joan faced many challenges, including being paralyzed for a year at age 14 because of taking a series of rabies shots due to suspicion that the family dog had rabies, and breaking bones from being in a motorcycle accident as a passenger. But she always persevered. She was a tough girl. She taught me (Pam) to always look out for myself and never depend on anyone, nothing ventured-nothing gained, and that you might be a girl and you might be small, but always stand up for yourself.

Her family including her 3 brothers, Marion, Carol, and Pete moved to Gotha, Florida and she wanted to continue nursing school but because of the braces on her legs from the motorcycle accident, found that to not be an option. Joan loved to draw and create, so she decided to go to school for art. She attended Orlando Junior College for a couple years and then met Alvin. She and Alvin eloped in 1961. They had one daughter named Pam. Pam and husband Clay gave Joan and Alvin one grandson in 1997, Warner. She was so proud of Warner and loved him with all her heart.

As life happened, she and Alvin parted on friendly terms, and she fell in love again with Scott Dryden who would be her best friend and companion for the last 30 years. Joan loved to sew, quilt, paint, and do many crafts. She loved beautiful fabrics and designs. She passed that love and talent along to her daughter and grandson.

Survivors include Scott Dryden, daughter and son-in-law Pam and Clay Ransone, grandson Warner Ransone, niece Sandy Smith, nephews Greg and Brian Smith, and Cousin Carolyn Jean Allen.

A Graveside Service for Joan will be held Friday, June 9, 2023 at 2:00 PM at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 400 Woodlawn Cemetery Road, Gotha, FL 34734.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.woodlawnfuneralhomegotha.com for the Smith family.