Joan Denton Smith

Joan Denton Smith was born on December 17, 1930, in Clawson, near Lufkin, Texas, to Lee Wood Denton and Winnie Green Denton. She passed away on November 10, 2025, at the age of 94. To the surprise of everyone, including her mother, she was one of a set of twins. Her sister, Julene, was born shortly after her, and though Julene passed away in infancy, Joan cherished that bond all her life.

Joan attended Central Consolidated School and later Rusk High School. She and her sister Maxine sang duets in church, at school events, and in their community, often known as "The Denton Sisters."

Joan married Gerald Smith, on May 28, 1955, at First Baptist Church in Rusk. The couple soon moved to Tyler, Texas on August 1, 1955, where they made their lifelong home. Joan began a long and fulfilling career as a legal secretary with the Ramey Law Firm, working for attorney Lemuel C. Hutchins of nearly three decades.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Joan's life centered around her faith and her family. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Tyler, and later Green Acres Baptist Church, where her faith continued to guide her life. After retirement, she spent her days caring for her children and grandchildren, proudly sharing their accomplishments with everyone she met.

Joan was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald Smith and her five siblings. She is survived by her two sons, Brent L. Smith and his wife, Vicki Smith of Tyler, and Neal T. Smith and his wife, Marty Burch Smith, of Tyler; five grandsons, Stephen Smith and his wife Carley Smith of Tyler, Christopher Smith of Tyler, Burch Smith and his wife Marisa, Tampa, Florida, Blake Smith and his fiancé Brynn Dietzel of Austin, and Andrew Smith of Dallas; and one great-grandson, Landon Smith.

Her life was a testament to faith, family, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

A private graveside service will be held at Rose Hill Cemetery.