Shirley "Joanne" Chesnutt

1934 - 2026

Shirley "Joanne" Chesnutt, 91, of Brookville, PA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, while residing at Brookside Senior Living.

Joanne was born on May 25, 1934, in Brookville, a daughter of the late John Smith and Valetta (Krebs) Smith. She was a proud member of the Brookville High School Class of 1952.

Throughout her life, Joanne devoted herself wholeheartedly to her family as a loving homemaker. She also held a variety of jobs over the years and eventually became a successful business owner. She owned and operated Uncle Stan's Ice Cream, The Carousel Gift Shop, and Harry's Pizza Plus, where she became well known for her strong work ethic and warm, welcoming spirit.

A woman of deep and unwavering faith, Joanne found great joy in attending church and sharing the Word of the Lord with everyone around her. She faithfully kept extensive prayer lists and uplifted others through constant prayer and encouragement. Joanne had a special love for people-especially children-and was known for her kindness, generosity, and servant's heart.

She enjoyed knitting and crocheting, often creating afghans and slippers for others-even those she had just met. Joanne also had a love for music and could play a variety of instruments, especially enjoying old hymns. She cherished time spent with friends playing cards and delighted in playing Skip-Bo and Sorry with her grandchildren.

An avid bowler and roller-skater, Joanne's determination was evident when she taught herself to bowl with her non-dominant hand after injuring her right arm-simply so she could continue doing what she loved.

One of Joanne's greatest joys was supporting her family. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren's athletic and musical events and took pride in being present for their accomplishments. She was also well known for her homemade treats, especially her orange cookies, peanut butter fudge, and divinity and those recipes will be handed down for generations. She also shared her great love of ice cream, popcorn and caramel creams with her entire family.

Joanne, or "Grandma Jo" as she was known to many who loved her, will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous heart, and the love she freely shared with everyone she met.

She is survived by her children: Teresa (Terry) Bullers; Robert (Mary) Smith; Patricia (Joe) Gillespie; Tina (Tim) Zimmerman; Katie (Jack) Chamberlin; Marji Skidmore; Janet Preston; Sam (Nancy) Chesnutt; and Libby Hacker; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Joanne was preceded in death by her husbands: William Dale Smith, Sr., E. Blair Brenneman, Stanley Klepfer, and C. Howard Chesnutt; her brother, Robert Eugene Smith; and her children, William D. Smith, Jr., Steven A. Smith, and Sharon Haag.

Family and friends will be received at the McKinney-d'Argy Funeral Home, 345 Main Street, Brookville, PA, on Thursday, April 2, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. A funeral service will follow immediately at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Pastor Bud Welton officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joanne's memory to Brookside Assisted Living, 49 Brookside Lane, Brookville, PA 15825, or to Aseracare Hospice, 12664 US-19, Unit 1, Waterford, PA 16441.

Online condolences and additional information may be found at www.dargyfh.com.