JoAnn K Smith

JoAnn grew up in Louisville’s West end and attended St. Columba Grade School. She graduated from Loretto High School in 1958. She had a wonderful love of life and enjoyed dancing, playing field hockey, and playing basketball during her high school years.

JoAnn worked as a teacher’s aide in Jefferson County Public Schools where she enjoyed being around children and helping others. She was a former member of St. Edward Catholic Church and St. Michael Catholic Church and generously gave her time to the community, including volunteering with Meals on Wheels.

Above all, JoAnn was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She will be remembered for the importance she placed on her family and the time she shared with those she loved. She will be greatly missed by those who loved her.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years: James Michael Smith.

Left to cherish her memory are: Debbie Shelton (Joe), Dan Smith (Agnese), Tom Smith (Tobi), and Julie Riggs (Stephen); her grandchildren: Alyssa Biven (Andrew Klump), Eric Biven, Noah Shelton, Keely Christmas (Clayton “Tader”), Daniel Smith (Caroline Elliott), Ben Smith (Kasey), Caroline Smith, Alexa Smith (Jackson Stewart), Cade Smith (Hannah Cravens), Melanie Mapp (Damien), Adam Riggs, Samantha Riggs, and Annie Grace Riggs; 5 great-grandchildren; her siblings: Joyce Brunner, Walter McHugh (Judi), Jean Whitson, and Joe McHugh (Carol); multiple nieces and nephews.

A service to honor JoAnn will be held at 2pm Monday, August 24, 2026, at Arch L. Heady at Resthaven, 4400 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, Ky, 40218 with burial to follow at Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 11am-2pm at the Funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to JDRF. https://www.breakthrought1d.org/