JoAnn Smith

Journey Through Life

JoAnn Carter-Smith was born May 2, 1945, in San Diego, California to Thomas McKinley and Ella Mae Carter. Both parents precede her in death. JoAnn was the 7th of eight children. The Carter family had a strong and close bond, which has continued through several generations.

JoAnn received Christ at an early age at Logan temple A.M.E. Zion Church. Under the leadership of the late Reverend Leon Carson. She loved attending Sunday school with her teacher Mrs. Carrie Covington, they had a special relationship up until her death. 

JoAnn graduated from local schools; Stockton Elementary, Memorial Jr. High, San Diego High, and graduated from Snyder Continuation High in 1963. JoAnn furthered her education at San Diego City and Mesa College, International Correspondence School of Business, and took Management Courses during her employment with Handyman Corporation. 

JoAnn loved all types of music and dancing, she attended Mrs. Sweet School of Dance. JoAnn grew up watching Teenage Dance Time, Soul Train, and American Band Stand. JoAnn loved to sew, her mentor and teacher was sister Eloise. This hobby she carried all through her life.

One day while JoAnn was getting her hair curled by sister Judy, a friend of hers came by named Bill. JoAnn took one look at this man and asked Judy who is that (N-Man) smile, and the rest was history. 

On February 9, 1964 William L. and JoAnn were married at Logan Temple A.M.E. Zion Church by the late Reverend Dr. Morgan W. Tann, as of today they are still married (OMG) smile to this union a family was created. Sons; William L. JR., Michael E. Daughters; Elaine R., Leslie. 

JoAnn went to work for Handyman Inc. she was employed with them for 16 years. During her employment she was a cashier, head cashier, sales auditor, sales audit supervisor, and an accounts payable supervisor. 

From 1984-87 JoAnn worked for Micro Graphic Lab, Mervyns, Travelodge, PSA & US Air. 

In 1987 she went to work for Creditor Remedies Inc. as a Collector, then advance to Collection Manager. After 11 years she retired and pursued her hobby of sewing.

JoAnn was a very active and a faithful member of church. As a child all the way through her senior years she love to praise, worship, and serve the Lord. 

During her lifetime membership pastors were: Reverend Leon Carson, Dr. Morgan Tann, Dr. Howard Haggler Sr. all proceed her in death. Reverend Daniel Webb, Reverend Nailah Hubbard, Reverend Philmont Bostic, Reverend Virgil Ward, reverend Michael Mosses, and Reverend Allen Tillett. 

JoAnn’s favorite thing to do in church was ushering, she was very faithful, dedicated, professional, pleasant and always had a smile on her face. She enjoyed being part of the Ushers Union, participating in the Grand March with all the different churches. Cousin Louise Noble and Sis. Juanita Baily where her mentors in her becoming an usher. Both preceded her in death to be a doorkeepers in the house of the Lord. As an usher JoAnn held the following positions: Secretary, Sunshine, President, Director of Youth Ushers, and District President of Ushers. JoAnn passed on her ushering skills to her grandchildren Elton, Marquan, and Tony. She was in seventh heaven serving the Lord with them. November 2013, JoAnn retired from ushering. 

JoAnn was Co-author and reader of the members resolution along with Sis. Ivy Seaberry. Later on Sis. Seaberry passed on the full responsibility to JoAnn.

JoAnn was a life member of the Women Home and Oversea Missionary Society (Red Stole).

On February 8, 2015, JoAnn was consecrated as a Deaconess, she held the following positions: President, Sunshine and Secretary.

JoAnn provided upper room mediation books to the church at no cost. “Where The World Meets Pray” was the theme.

JoAnn didn’t feel worthy of being a Deaconess. February 2019, she took a leave of absence. It was a pleasure serving you thank you in the name of Jesus. 

JoAnn was a member of the Noon Day Prayer Band/Bible Study, under the direction of Reverend Dr. Howard Haggler Sr. Reverend Daniel Webb, Reverend Nailah Hubbard, Reverend Philmont Bostic, Reverend Virgil Ward and Reverend Michael Mosses. 

JoAnn was also a member of Inter Faith Prayer and Fellowship Group. Founder Mother Martha Featherston. Motto: No Prayer, No Power, Little Prayer, Little Power, Much Prayer, Much Power.

JoAnn served on the Usher Board, help positions as Vice President, President and also made the announcements for the group.

From 2003 to present JoAnn became a caregiver for her husband through cancer, three separate times. From 2004-2008 she added her brother Calvin to the patient list. JoAnn cared for him through Dementia and Diabetes until his health failed. 

Now you would think JoAnn should take a break, right, not her.

From 2010 to present JoAnn went to work for California Cremation and Burial Chapel, as a Family Attendant (2 Chapels, El Cajon & National City).

To Martin Mitchell and the entire staff, I have loved working with each and every one of you. May God continue to be with you as you comfort the loved ones and usher the Saints into Heaven.

Love Always JoAnn.                                                  July 31st 2021 

JoAnn’s past time was watching some of her favorite TV shows: Young and The Restless, Judge Judy, Law and Order, Steve Harvey’s Family Feud, Tyler Perry (anything he produces), Dancing with The Stars, writing in her fill-in puzzle book, and going to her happy place (Casino’s). 

To sum up JoAnn, she was dedicated, devoted, committed, dependable, loved unconditionally, spoiler of people, and always had a desire to be in the house of the Lord.

Well done thy good and faithful servant. The Lord saw JoAnn needed a rest from labor to reward and the only way he could give her a rest was to call her home on September 11, 2022. To be absent from the body is to be present with the lord.

Family members that have proceeded JoAnn in death: Siblings; Elouise, Olga, Juanita, Rosie, Calvin, and Judy. Grandson Richard Williams, Cousin Louise Noble, Niece Lois Webb. 

JoAnn leaves to cherish her precious memories, husband William L. Smith of 58 years of marriage. Sons; William L. Jr., Michael E. (Denise) Daughters; Elaine R. Taylor, Leslie Ledet, Brother Thomas M. Carter (Rose) Six Grandchildren; Carmen Marie Merriweather, Janée Taylor, Elton Bartel Ledet Jr., Marquan Shave Smith, Tony Lewis, Michael Elliot Smith Jr.  Six Great-Grand; Joel Carmichael, An'Janée Williams, Stephen Charles, Armani-Eric-Dwayne Jones, Syncere-Major Jones, Elton Ledet III. 

Logan Temple Church Family, Interfaith Prayer & Fellowship Family, and a whole bunch of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. 

To all that are here today or couldn’t make it I will leave you with God‘s grace, peace and love, see you on the other side. 

Author…. JoAnn Carter- Smith

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