Jo Ann King Smithers

1952 - 2022

Jo Ann King Greene Smithers On Friday, December 30, 2022, Jo Ann King Greene Smithers, beloved sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, aunt, grandmother and friend entered her eternal life at age 70. She was born on July 19, 1952, to Lannie Dell and Montie Lee Henderson King in Ardmore, OK. She married her high school sweetheart, Bruce D. Greene, on August 13, 1971, in Gainesville, TX. They had two daughters Melissa Dawn and Tina Michelle Greene. Bruce preceded her in death on December 25, 1976. She was blessed to find love a second time and married William Dale Smithers on November 3, 1979, in Lone Grove, OK. They made their life together and raised their family in Ardmore. She was grateful to have had 43 wonderful years with Dale, her best friend and devoted "sweetie." Jo Ann was raised in Ardmore and attended Springdale and Dickson Schools. In high school she worked as a nursing assistant and at Marietta Sportswear. She graduated from Dickson High School in 1970 and received a scholarship to attend Murray State College where her studies focused on home economics. She was a small business owner for many years, owning and operating R & R Trophies in Ardmore together with Dale and their long-time friends, Mike and Marian McGowen. Jo Ann was also a homemaker and was always ready to tackle any project with creativity and could transform items at her disposable into anything imagined. Not only was she creative, but was compassionate, practical and gave the best advice. She was the one her family picked up the phone to call with questions ranging from how to cook the best cheesy potatoes to how to DIY your Thanksgiving pumpkin into a Christmas lawn ornament. Jo Ann loved the simple pleasures in life, had a heart of gold and found the most contentment spending quality time at home with her husband and family. She was a doting wife, mother-in-law, mother, and the ultimate role model for her daughters. Her most treasured role was that of "MeMe" to her adored Bella. From art projects to Netflix marathons to Guitar Hero competitions, she cherished every moment she spent with her granddaughter. Jo Ann was the ultimate friend and caregiver. Whether it be caring for a family member, friend or animal, she would always go above and beyond. She enjoyed the camaraderie of her neighbors and liked receiving and giving a helping hand. She made a positive impact on anyone that was fortunate enough to have known her. While she will be missed greatly by those who loved and were loved by her, Jo Ann lived a full life and felt like she accomplished what she was destined to on this earth. She lived the quote, "Let your faith be bigger than your fears," and entered her eternal life unafraid and looking forward to reuniting with loved ones. Jo Ann was preceded in death by her parents, sister Linda Sue King, in-laws Lawton and Opal Smithers and brother-in-law Ron Williams. She is survived by her husband William Dale, of the home in Ardmore, OK; daughter Melissa Jose (Matt) of Danville, CA; daughter Tina Chance (Brent) of Oklahoma City, OK and granddaughter Isabella Jose of Danville, CA. She is also survived by brother Johnie Knapp of Ardmore, OK; sister Carolyn Dees (Brian) of Marietta, OK; sister-in-law Karen Sue Williams of Newnan, GA; former sister in-law and dear friend Janette Holt of Coldspring, TX; nieces and nephews: Dana Hanlon (Robert) of Newnan, GA; Randy Russell (Heidi) of Ardmore, OK; Jared Knapp of Livingston, TX; DeJon Knapp (Paddy Ryan) of Tulsa, OK; Ashley Knapp of Tulsa, OK; Byron Reed (Gayla) of Calera, OK; Brian Reed of Ardmore, OK; Lindsei Dees (Heather) of Lillington, NC; great nieces and nephews: Tristen Knapp of Point Blank, TX; Gage Reed of Ardmore, OK; Kaden, Matthew and Blake Reed of Calera, OK; Tracie Russell of Ardmore, OK; great-great nephew Sett Lemons of Ardmore, OK and a whole host of family and friends. A private family graveside service to celebrate her life will be held at a future date