JoAnn McElreath

JoAnn McElreath, age 78, passed away Thursday March 2, 2023. She passed peacefully at home surrounded with love and family in her final days. JoAnn was born October 11, 1944 to Herman Hughes and Frances Folds in Atlanta, GA. She was the youngest of six children. JoAnn was married to the love of her life, Milton McElreath, on February 14, 1991. They had a wonderful and blessed 31 years together and had a love that most aspire to. They were inseparable. Milton preceded her in death in December of 2022. JoAnn is also preceded in death by her parents, brothers Charles and Carlos, Sisters Sandra, Diane, and Brenda. She is survived by her children Sharon Bagley and husband David of Eatonton, GA; Bill Smith and wife Stephanie of Topeka, KS; Jeff Smith and wife Rhonda of Mansfield, GA. She also had three step-children with her husband, Mark McElreath and Wife June of GA; Lorie Head of FL, and Wendy Crist and husband Tim of AK. Grandchildren Jessica Goins of Roswell, GA ; Will Smith and wife Danielle of Quantico, VA ; Samantha JoAnn (Sammie Jo) Smith and partner Drew of Olathe, KS; Isabella (Izzy) Smith of KS ; Abigail (Abby) Smith of KS; Skyler Smith of Sioux Falls, SD and Noah Smith of Mansfield, GA. Great grandchildren Savannah JoAnn Smith of KS, Will Smith Jr. of VA, Avery Goins of GA, and Elijah Mays of GA. She is also survived by beloved Niece and Goddaughter Tiffany Mickle and husband Preston of Milner, GA. She was a woman in a tiny body but with an extra huge heart. Everywhere she went she complimented people on something about them. She didn’t know a stranger and would smile and engage in short exchange with everyone she met. She loved her family and friends dearly and felt blessed by the love that surrounded her.

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