Joan B. Smith

Joan B. Smith, age 90, of Pinckneyville, passed away Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at the Sparta Community Hospital.
Joan was born Saturday, February 23, 1935 in Canton, a daughter of Roy and Frances (Dikeman) Bell. She married the love of her life, Richard Jackson "Jack" Smith in Canton on August 1, 1959. He preceded her in death.
She is survived by her son- Mark L. (Susan) Romine of Bloomington; daughter- Gina Driskell of Pinckneyville; daughter- Jennifer (Terry) McCrary of Pinckneyville; daughter- Jackie (Toby) Alvis of Du Quoin; son- Brian Smith of Colombia; eight grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and a host of extended family members she cherished.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband- Richard Jackson "Jack" Smith, and her son-in-law- Doug Kennedy.
Joan, a pillar of strength and a true original, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and adventure. With a life spanning decades of change, Joan remained steadfast in her values and passions. Her career was marked by dedication and hard work, serving 20 years as a secretary at the 204 School, where she touched countless lives. Her professional journey also took her from the Pepsi office in the 1970s, and later, she spent a decade with the Pinckneyville Chamber of Commerce, fostering community growth.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Joan's true joys lay in her personal pursuits. She delighted in playing bridge and cards with her circle of friends, sharing laughter and stories. Her love for animals was evident in her affection for her cats, and her green thumb brought beauty to her surroundings through her flower gardening. Joan's adventurous spirit led her to travel the world, with memorable journeys to China and many other destinations. Her family and friends cherished her straightforward nature, her quick wit, and her unapologetic honesty - she didn't fluff things, and you always knew where you stood with her. As a hardworking, old-school individual with a spicy personality, Joan left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Her memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joan's life during a time of fellowship from 1:00 PM -3:00 PM on on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the Pinckneyville United Methodist Church, located at 315 West South Street in Pinckneyville. For those who prefer, memorial contributions may be directed to Perry County Humane Society.
Maxton-Rosado Funeral Home in Du Quoin is honored to serve the family. To leave an online condolence please visit www.maxtonrosado.com or call 618-542-2020 for more information.