Joan Smithson

Joan is survived by her Husband Thomas E. Smithson, (Birmingham AL), son Dan Smithson (Carmon), Tuscaloosa, AL, her daughters Joy Smithson Williford (Jim), Birmingham, AL, Jane Smithson-Harrison (Mitchell), Birmingham, AL and her grandchildren Tyler Williford, Athens, AL; Cole Williford, Pelham, AL; Daniel Smithson, Tuscaloosa, AL; Kyran Smithson (Margaret), Tuscaloosa, AL; Darci Smithson Glenn (David), Tuscaloosa, AL; Megan Doherty Watkins (Matt), Tuscaloosa, AL; Patrick Doherty, Tuscaloosa, AL; Kristen Meadows, Calera, AL. and A host of Great-Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and cousins.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents Leseston and Lucy Riley, (Tuscaloosa, AL); her infant brother James Riley, (Tuscaloosa AL) and her brother Harold Riley, (Moundville, AL).

A visitation for Joan will be held Friday, November 15, 2024, from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Memory Chapel Funeral Home, 2200 Skyland Blvd East, Tuscaloosa, AL 35405, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 PM. Rev. Vial Fontenot presiding.

Joan was born in Indiana on July 8, 1935. She died on November 10, 2024, in Birmingham, AL. She was known for her warmth, generosity, strength, unyielding positivity, and the undeniably loving spirit she always exuded.

Joan was a master crafter, painter, seamstress, caregiver, bible school teacher, room mother, taxi driver to music lessons, ballet, football, baseball, cheerleader practice, party planner, and many more things. She never failed to make anyone who entered her home feel anything but loved and welcomed.

She will be lovingly remembered by her beloved husband, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. She is joined in rest by her parents and two brothers, along with many other loved ones throughout her life.

Her legacy is one of unfaltering kindness and generosity. She never failed to care for her loved ones more than she did for herself. Her loss will be deeply felt by her family and all those who knew and loved her. Her memory will continue to live on and inspire strength, resilience, and generosity in those whose lives she touched.