JoAnn (Bussard) Smith, beloved wife, mother, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully at home on June 11, 2025, at the age of 85, surrounded by the love and care of her devoted family and caregivers.

Born on February 22, 1940, in Herminie, Pennsylvania, JoAnn grew up in West Newton. She graduated from Sewickley High School and then attended Indiana State Teachers College (now Indiana University of Pennsylvania), where she was a member of Theta Sigma Upsilon, earning a degree in Elementary Education. It was there she met her future husband, Alan C. Smith of Herminie, PA. The two were married for 61 years, until Alan's death in 2023.

JoAnn began her teaching career at H.W. Goode Elementary School in the Yough School District. After the birth of their daughter, Lisa Ann, she took time to focus on her family before returning to the classroom when Lisa was four, teaching fourth grade at West Hempfield Elementary. Alan, who passed away in 2023, was a respected educator and administrator in the Yough School District. JoAnn was a talented seamstress and homemaker as well as a teacher, and she frequently accompanied Alan as he pursued his passions for fishing and hunting.

When JoAnn was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 1979, Alan took a sabbatical to be by her side, as he was until his last days. After her recovery, they spent summers at a cabin in Kane, Pa., a place they built and loved. They traveled the country in RVs, driving to Alaska and to most every state and provincial park in the U.S. and Canada. Alan and JoAnn moved to Chattanooga in 2011 to be close to their grandchildren—they attended every activity they could, from Bright School to Baylor.

JoAnn was preceded in death by Alan, her brother-in-law Welden C. Jones, and her parents, Ralph A. and Rose (Mikel) Bussard of West Newton, PA.

She is survived by her sister, Mary Lou (Bussard) Jones (Welden); her daughter, Lisa Ann, who attended Hempfield Area schools and is a pediatric surgeon in Chattanooga, TN; and by Lisa's family—husband W. David Bruce, MD, and her grandchildren, Camilla Zavala and Alana Zavala, William and Staci Bruce, and Henry Bruce, all of Chattanooga.

Her last years were made safe and comfortable by her caregivers, including Elizabeth Chacon, Gloria Grady, and others. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched through her teaching and in the strength and fortitude she shared with her family and friends.

A private service will be held to honor JoAnn's life and legacy. She will be buried beside Alan in West Newton Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Catholic Church in Chattanooga, TN, in JoAnn's memory.

JoAnn's life was a testament to a life of kindness, dedication, and love. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343, (423) 531-3975.