Joanne Hopper Smith

1939 - 2018

Joanne Hopper Smith

Memphis, TN

Joanne Hopper Smith was born on September 23, 1939 and died October 28, 2018 at Baptist Reynolds Hospice House in Collierville. A longtime resident of Olive Branch, MS, Joanne was born and raised in Memphis, was a member of the first graduating class of White Station High School and was active in Eugene Crain's Drama Department. She attended Memphis State University where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority. A lover of animals, Joanne was a long time member of SASCA (Southern Amateur Saddle Club Association) and participated in Western Pleasure. She judged many horse shows throughout the Mid-South and was one of the first in this area to breed Australian Shepherds. Her charismatic personality and genuine love of people shined during her many years at Cowboy Corner and, more recently, as a receptionist at New Cut Hair Salon in Olive Branch.

Predeceased by her parents, Victoria and Joseph Hopper, son-in-law, Jimmy Thomas, and former husband, James "Jim" Smith. She is survived by her daughter, Sheila Thomas; her son, Anderson "Andy" Smith, (Roxanne); five grandchildren, Layne Thomas, Joseph, Nicholas, Matthew, and Rebekah Smith, all of Collierville. She is also survived by her siblings, Barbara Holden Nixon (Bill), Memphis and Roger Hopper (Betty Jean), Alpharetta, GA and many close friends who will miss her dearly.

Visitation will be 10 a.m.-11 a.m. with funeral service beginning at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 1, at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 945 Quinn Road, Collierville, TN 38017.

Should friends desire, contributions may be sent to COPDFoundation.org or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.