Jo Ann Johnson Smith

Jo Ann Johnson Smith, 89, passed away on May 12, 2026. Born December 12, 1936 in Winston Salem, she was the daughter of the late Irvin and Katie Johnson. Jo Ann was a devoted and cherished presence in the lives of those who knew and loved her, remembered with deep gratitude and enduring affection.

For 70 years, Jo Ann shared a steadfast marriage with Dewey Odell Smith, Sr., until his death in 2022. Her life was marked by faithful care and constant attention to the people she held closest, especially her grandchildren, offering them the kind of love that steadies a family across generations. She also carried a lasting joy for travel, embracing opportunities to go and see the world while always keeping home and family at the center of her heart.

Jo Ann’s Baptist faith guided her throughout her life, and she was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Clemmons, where her faith and commitment were reflected in the way she lived and cared for others.

Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Irvin A. Johnson and Katie Angel Johnson; her husband, Dewey O. Smith, Sr.; her brothers, Irvin A. Johnson and William (Bill) Johnson; and her sister, Dorothy Johnson Powe.

Jo Ann is survived by her children, Dewey O. Smith, Jr. (Linda) and Avesta S. Everhart (Bobby); five grandchildren, Sunny Nelson (Marc), Nikki Hurst, Mason Smith (La Rae), Joshua Smith (Katie) and Bobby Everhart, II (Vicki); 11 great grandchildren, Taylor Hurst (Chelsea), Donovan Smith, Logan Eastman, Liam Smith, Lucy Nelson, John Smith, Emerie Everhart, Jaxon Everhart, Jagger Everhart, Paxton Proctor, and Phin Proctor; four great-great grandchildren, Charli Hall, Owen Hurst, Eva Jo Hurst, and Kennedy Smith; and numerous nieces, nephews, and loved ones.

A Graveside Service will be held at Westlawn Gardens of Memory on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 2:00 pm.