JoAnn Smith

JoAnn Smith, age 90, of Campbellsburg, IN passed away peacefully Sunday, January 4, 2026, at Schneck Medical Center in Seymour, IN. Born June 14, 1935, in Salem, Indiana, she was the beloved daughter of John Lee and Ruth (Bush) Lee. She was the youngest of 11 children (4 boys, 7 girls).
She was a proud graduate of Salem High School, "Class of 1952". After graduating, JoAnn moved to Columbus, IN and married Paul Edward King in 1953 with whom she shared six children. In 1967, JoAnn returned to Salem. She was a mother and homemaker. She also worked during this time in restaurants, factories (Bata Shoe Company and B.F. Goodrich). In 1969, she married Kermit "Toby" Cornett and welcomed a daughter in 1971. She continued working various jobs such as babysitting, Thompson's Drive-In Restaurant, Meadow View Nursing Home, and Pizza Hut.
On November 4, 1989, JoAnn married Melvin Howard Smith of Campbellsburg, IN. Her husband Melvin preceded her in death. Together they worked at the Campbellsburg Post Office as custodians for many years. They enjoyed gardening together, decorating for the holidays, and spent many happy hours sitting on their front porch. JoAnn loved riding her bicycle, baking pies, embroidery, family history, family reunions, patriotic parades, tending her many flowers and ornamental yard. She had a great sense of humor and successfully pranked many on April Fools. Most of all she loved spending time with her family. She loved her neighbors and they loved her. She loved people and was known for her empathy and compassion. She was a deeply spiritual person sensing needs intuitively. JoAnn was a devoted and much-loved member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints being baptized at the age of 18, serving in various positions throughout her life. Most precious to her was the Gospel of Jesus Christ and her testimony of Heavenly Father and His Son Jesus Christ, never missing the opportunity to share her testimony with loved ones. Among her gifts was that of forgiveness and not holding a grudge always striving for peace, love and harmony. She left a legacy of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren serving missions throughout the world including Sacramento California; Salt Lake City Utah; Madrid Spain; Washington D.C.; Montevideo Uruguay; Frankfort Germany; San Diego California; Billings Montana and Salem Indiana.
She is survived by her sister, Thelma I. Gilstrap of Salem, IN. Daughters: Clifsonja A. (King) Thompson of Depauw, IN; Tyronna R. King of Sandy, UT; Jacqueline Y. (King) (Terry) Kendall of Salem, IN; Tony J. King of Salem, IN; Toby Jo (Cornett) (Terry) Peacock of Austin, IN. Sons: Pernell (Margaret) King of Batesville, IN; 16 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; five stepsons and one stepdaughter. Marriner Hank King of Salem, her oldest son, preceded her in death. JoAnn's influence will be felt for generations to come.
Visitation: 4 to 8 pm Friday 1/9/2026 at Dawalt Funeral Home 204 E. Market Street. Salem, IN. 47167
Visitation 11 to 12, service at 12 Saturday 1/10/2025 with Branch President Roy Hinds officiating at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 1500 N. Shelby St, Salem IN. 47167
Interment at Claysville Cemetery. N10967 West Lost River Rd. Campbellsburg, IN. 47108 To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JoAnn, please visit our floral store.