Joe Ann Vanburen

Joe Ann VanBuren, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away on March 8, 2026, at the age of 66. Born on June 1, 1959, she was a lifelong resident of Gray, Louisiana.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Jones Funeral Home, 230 S Hollywood Rd., Houma, LA 70360, on March 21, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

Joe Ann leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Eugene Smith Jr. of Houma, LA, and Jeremiah Smith of Franklin, LA; her daughters, Rachel VanBuren, Christina VanBuren, both of Gray, LA, and Julia Smith of Lafayette, LA; her brothers, Micheal VanBuren (Regina), Kenneth VanBuren (Lois), Keith VanBuren (DeeDee), Oliver Kenny (Michelle), all of Houma, LA, and Izeal VanBuren (Shawndrika) of Charleston, SC; her sisters, Shirley VanBuren and Angela VanBuren of Houma, LA, Izetta Blake (Ronnie) of Port Allen, LA, and Karen VanBuren of Gibson, LA; her stepsisters, Sandra Kenny, Sheila Kenny of Houma, LA, Cynthia White of Thibodaux, LA, and Stephanie Kenny of New Orleans, LA. She is also survived by twelve grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.

Joe Ann was preceded in death by her mother, Vereline Van Buren; her sister, Michelle VanBuren; her ex-husband, Eugene Smith; her stepbrother, Robert Kenny; and her paternal grandparents, Izal and Julia VanBuren.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, knitting, and sewing. Joe Ann will be fondly remembered for her sense of humor and her famous words: "Don't come here getting on my nerves because you will not like what I'm going to say."