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JoAnn Smysor Obituary
August 24, 1936 - August 17, 2025
JoAnn Smysor (Rayburn), 88, of Davenport, Iowa, passed away peacefully on August 17, 2025, at Ridgecrest Village, having been surrounded by family and her loving caregiver. The family is grateful to the staff of Ridgecrest Village and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care.
Known as "Auntie Jo" to family and "Josie" to friends, she will be remembered for her humor, warmth, and devotion to those she loved. She was born August 24, 1936, in Springfield, Ill., to Ivy and Hubert Rayburn, later moving to Davenport and graduating from Davenport Central High School.
JoAnn enjoyed a long career with Bendix Corporation as an Administrative Assistant - Contract Administrator, remaining active with the company's retiree group. At Bendix she met her husband, Wendell Smysor, whom she married in 1993. Together they shared many joys, sports, golfing, ballroom dancing at the Elks Club, traveling, and tandem bike rides.
A dedicated member of the Davenport chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star for 54 years, JoAnn served in numerous leadership roles, including six terms as Worthy Matron. She also found happiness in her church community, longtime friendships, card games, bowling, golfing, baking, and playing the organ.
Above all, JoAnn cherished her family. She was a devoted aunt and embraced every generation, from nieces and nephews to great-greats, and her late husband's extended family. Family gatherings, holiday meals, and supporting "her kids" in their activities brought her the greatest joy.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Larry Rayburn and Harold Rayburn; husband, Wendell Smysor; and niece, Cherie Peterson. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Helen Rayburn; nieces, Colleen Rayburn, Cynthia Krohe and Julie McClure; nephews, Chris Rayburn and Tim Rayburn; nephew-in-law, Loren "Pete" Peterson; and a large extended family.
Services will be held August 25, 2025, at Ridgecrest Village with a visitation starting at 12:30 p.m. and services at 1:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Davenport, the Davenport Chapter of Eastern Star or a charity of choice.
Please visit www.weertsfh.com or dignitymemorial.com for more information.
Weerts Funeral Home
3625 Jersey Ridge Rd
Davenport, Iowa 52807
5363554433
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