JoAnn M. Smith

JoAnn (Lawrence) Smith, 75, died peacefully on the morning of June 14, 2023 after an 11 month battle with glioblastoma cancer.

JoAnn was born December 18, 1947 in Storm Lake, Iowa to Bert and Elaine Lawrence. She was a 1966 graduate of East High School in Des Moines, where she was on the varsity cheerleading squad all three years of high school, and she truly treasured her numerous friendships from East.

JoAnn had a 30 year career in dental. She began as a chairside dental assistant in Des Moines working for several doctors, and she assisted in oral surgery at the Des Moines VA Hospital before relocating with her family to Cedar Rapids, Iowa in 1976.

Upon moving to Cedar Rapids, JoAnn attended Kirkwood Community College where she graduated with honors as a board certified dental assistant. Giving back to her community, JoAnn taught classes for aspiring dental assistants at Kirkwood, and truly loved the classroom environment. JoAnn retired in 2002 as a New Patient Coordinator for Dr. Timothy Winegarden, and she and her husband Don moved back to Des Moines in 2004.

In addition to working in dental, JoAnn and her dear friend Edie Opperman, opened and ran an aerobics studio through the Cedar Rapids Racquetball Club for many years, and she also sold Avon products catering primarily to friends and family.

In her 21 years of retirement, JoAnn and husband Don were avid golfers and enjoyed their membership and dear friends at the Des Moines Golf and Country Club. In addition to golfing, Don and JoAnn loved fishing, traveling, and spending time with their children and grandkids.

In addition to Don, her husband of 55 years, JoAnn is survived by her sister, Judy Lawrence Woods (Tom), her two children, Jon Smith (Susie) of Rocklin, CA and Jennifer Smith of Urbandale, IA, three grandchildren, Cameron, Lexie and Zoe, one great grandson, Jayce, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nephews and nieces. She was preceded in death by her parents, two infant children, Donald Joseph and Janet Rae, and her sister Janet Lawrence.

Visitation will be from 11:00 to 1:00 p.m. Thursday, June 22, 2023 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel, 801 19th St. in West Des Moines, followed by a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at McLaren’s. A private entombment will be at Resthaven Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that friends donate memorials in JoAnn’s name to Hope Lodge in Iowa City or Every Step Kavanagh House in Des Moines. JoAnn’s family wishes to thank them and all of JoAnn’s caretakers during this difficult time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com for the Smith family.