Joan Williams Smith

Joan Williams Smith of Fort Smith, Arkansas, formerly of Swansboro, North Carolina, entered into Heaven August 23, 2017. She was born June 9, 1919 in Nelson, New Zealand to Margaret Cook Williams, widow of John Williams who died seven months prior to Joan's birth. In 1943, Joan met and married USMC Sgt. Howard Smith, whose unit was in New Zealand for R&R. After the war, they settled in Swansboro, North Carolina, where Joan taught school for many years. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2005, and moved to Arkansas to be in the care of her daughter and later in the Alzheimer's unit of Chapel Ridge Nursing facility. She was a member of Rye Hill Baptist Church in Fort Smith.

Survivors include son, Gary Smith of Staunton, Virginia; daughter, Betty McGill-Ferrell and husband, Dennis of Fort Smith; daughter-in-law, Stella Smith of Jacksonville, North Carolina; seven grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and special friends, Dave and Karen Redding Lindquist of Hubert, North Carolina, whom she loved as her own. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband; son, Ian; daughter-in-law, Belinda; as well as her parents; brother, Jack Williams and nephew, Kim Williams all of New Zealand.

The family offers grateful thanks to Rye Hill Pastors Michael Franklin and Steve Stewart for their fun and faithful visits; to staff and administration of Chapel Ridge Nursing facility for their loving care; to Joan's former student, Freddie Velez for his sincere tributes; and to all 10 children of the late Edwin and Elsie Askew of Swansboro for their ongoing devotion.

Because Joan spent her entire life quietly helping others, the family requests memorials in Fort Smith be made to the Food Pantry at Rye Hill Baptist Church, 11512 Old Hwy. 71, Fort Smith, AR 72916, and in other locations to food or homeless ministries.

Cremation is under the direction of McConnell Funeral Home of Greenwood, Arkansas. Joan's ashes will be interred with her husband in the National Cemetery in New Bern, North Carolina at a later date.