Mrs. Jo Ann Smith Smith Saunders

Jo Ann Smith Saunders, a resident of Brandon, MS, went home to be with The Lord Friday, March 4, 2016. Funeral services will be held at Lakewood South Funeral Home on McClure Rd on Monday, March 7, 2016 at 1:00 PM with visitation one hour prior.

She was born on August 24, 1932, in Mt. Olive, MS, to Oliver and Verdue Smith. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 56 years, Augustin (Gus) Lucas Saunders, Jr. and her beloved son, Al Saunders. She is survived by two daughters Catherine Anne Saunders Whittenburg (husband Whitt) and Laurie Saunders Hurst (husband David). Also, one son, James Wesley Saunders, II (Jimmy) (wife Carla). Granddaughter Tava Catherine Bass (husband Alan) and their three children, her great grandchildren: Parker Alan Bass, Ty Lucas Bass and Caroline Catherine Bass. Also a granddaughter, Lisa Ann Hurst Guice (husband John Madison). And, grandsons: Zachary David Hurst, Dustin Lucas, and Joey Murchison. Also, survived by her sister, Emma Jean Bearden, and several nieces and nephews.

She was a graduate of the Mississippi Baptist Hospital School of Nursing in 1953. She worked as a RN Nurse Manager for 36 years and retired from the Veterans Administration in 1993.

She had a passion for God, her family and geriatric care. She had attended Crossroads of Life in Byram, MS until recently where she attended Riverside Church in Flowood, MS.

Memorials may be made to F.O.A. In Pocahontas, MS or French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, MS 39745.

Please visit lakewoodfuneralhomes.com for online guestbook.