JoAnn Smith

1952 - 2025

JoAnn Jex Smith

1952 - 2025

- With hearts full of love and deep gratitude, we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Nammy, aunt, and friend, JoAnn Jex Smith, who peacefully returned home to her Heavenly Father on April 20, 2025. She was 72 years old and surrounded by her children as she passed. It was a tender and sacred farewell.

JoAnn was born on October 8, 1952, to Doral and Betty Jex. She grew up in Midvale and graduated from Hillcrest High School. From childhood through every season of life, JoAnn carried a light within her. She was kind, strong, loyal, and full of quiet grace.

To most, she was known simply as Nammy, a name that came to define the heart of our family. Especially to her grandchildren, Nammy was a constant source of love, laughter, and warmth. She had a unique and special bond with each of them, and every grandchild was convinced they were her favorite. She spent countless hours making memories with them and showed up for every moment, big or small. Her absence will be deeply felt by the thirteen grandchildren she adored: Zander, Anthony, Ozzie, Jaxon, Zakrie, Reggie, Weston, Beka, Cecily, Davis, Lydia, Stockton, and Adayah.

JoAnn also had a lifelong love of animals. She adored her cats (Puna-Cana & Aphrodite), and she formed meaningful and soulful connections with each of the family dogs (Ebony, Boomer, & Quincy), who became cherished companions and beloved members of the family.

JoAnn's love language was food, and she shared that love through her incredible cooking. Over her lifetime, she collected thousands of cookbooks and was always inspired to try something new. Sunday dinners with her were a treasured tradition, full of warmth, good food, and connection. She believed in the power of gathering at the table and made it a priority to bring people together.

JoAnn was a rare beauty, both inside and out. With her bright blue eyes and porcelain skin, she carried herself with timeless elegance and grace. Her commitment to self-care and her pristine routine remained unwavering throughout her life, reflecting the dignity and poise with which she approached each day. A true connoisseur of style, JoAnn had an innate flair for fashion and a deep appreciation for the finer things in life. Her impeccable taste extended to her family, as she lovingly dressed her children in coordinated outfits, ensuring they always stepped out into the world looking their best. JoAnn's legacy is one of sophistication, warmth, and a dedication to beauty in all its forms.

More than anything, JoAnn was a devoted disciple of Jesus Christ. She lived her faith with quiet strength and deep conviction. Her testimony of the Savior shaped every part of her life. We take comfort in knowing she is now joyfully reunited with her dear mother and father, and with all those she loved who have gone before her.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the dedicated team at Love At Home Caregivers for their exceptional care and compassion during the final months of JoAnn's life. Meleane and her remarkable women provided not only professional support but also genuine companionship that brought comfort and joy to JoAnn's days. In a time that could have been marked by sorrow, their presence brought light and peace. The family will forever be grateful for the warmth and respect shown to JoAnn, and for the comfort they provided to all who loved her.

The Smith children and grandchildren wish to honor and celebrate our cherished family, united by the love and belief in eternal families that JoAnn and Bennie Smith Jr. shared.

JoAnn is the beloved mother of Zachary (Janelle) Smith, Adam (Amber) Smith, Melissa (Corbin) Olsen, Meghan (Jason) Castleton, and Jordan (Jesse) Smith. She is also survived by her brothers, Alan (Kathy) Jex and Russel (JoAnn) Jex. She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Don (Marie) Jex.

Her family, her faith, her traditions, and the love she gave so freely are her lasting legacy. We are forever better because we were loved by her. We look forward with hope to the day when we will be together again.

Please join us in remembering and celebrating the life of our beloved Mother and Nammy.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Jenkins-Soffe Funeral Home (1007 W South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan, UT 84095). A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Graveside interment will follow service at Salt Lake City Cemetery. We welcome all who knew and loved her to join us in honoring her memory. Online condolences may be shared at www.jenkins-soffe.com.