My name is Casey Lee Carlsen. I am a great niece to Aunt Joann. My Granny was Emma Lee (JOANNS SIS) and they were two peas in a pod! After my granny passed in 85, my granddaddy (John) would take me down to Okeechobee to see Uncle Lee and her quite often. She reminded me so much of my granny... Looks and personality. We were always welcome and always fed:) We moved to IL in 95 and unfortunately I failed to stay in touch with most of my family. A few years ago my brother and I (Christopher) went down to see her at her apartment by the lake. She welcomed us with love and open arms, just because we were apart of her. We learned of our GEORGIA family and she told stories of her momma and being a child, giving their stepmom Beuhlah such a hard time. I am so glad we went to see her, as my brother has really never met ANY of our family. She was so proud of us that day, we were so proud of her. When i learned that she was in Hospice care i couldnt help to think about all that are just waiting in Heaven for her to arrive? It will def be a lot more lively up there with her hootin' and hollerin! To the family, no matter the time or distance between us, we love you and our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of loss. CASEY, CHRISTOPHER & CAPPY







I have known JoAnn and her family most of my life as her son Sammy was my very best friend in school. He passed away suddenly right after high school graduation but his memory still lives on in my heart. As a teenager Sammy's gang of friends which include Steve Green, David Bowersock, Johnny Godwin, and myself spent more time and ate more meals in Joann's kitchen than we did our own. Her fried fish, hush puppies, cole slaw, and french fries were awesome and could not be beat. If we were were near Proctors where she worked, we would drop in to see Joann and she would make sure we got a double portion of fish. If we were not in Joann's kitchen we were sitting under the shade tree in the front yard with Sammy's dad Sam. Eventually he would send us off to Sportsman's restaurant for a couple of pizza's. Joann was like a Mom to me and the rest of Sammy's friends and we will never forget not just her cooking and hospitality but also her laugh and southern accent.  I love you Joann with all my heart and I will miss you because you made my younger years a much better place to grow up. Until we meet again in heaven someday. Steve Abernethy

There are so many wonderful memories with Aunt JoAnn!! We never had to go places or do anything special just go over to her house. It was always so much fun. You just always felt welcomed and loved the second you walked in the door.  She knew how to fix a problem with a glass of sweet tea, some home cooked food and a chit chat. She was the kindest most understanding woman I've ever met but don't mess with her family - she was a pit bull if you messed with her family. I truly appreciate everything she taught me about love, faith and family. She will always have a special place in my heart! Love you Aunt JoAnn and I'll be with you again one day when the Lord calls me home!

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JoAnn Crites

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JoAnn G. Crites

August 26, 1937 – August 30, 2021

Dorsey - E. Earl Smith Funeral Home and Lake Worth Memory Gardens

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