Joan Beverly Smith

Joan Beverly Smith
February 15, 1934 – January 15, 2024
Joan Beverly Smith, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and community servant, passed away peacefully at home on January 15, 2024.
Born on February 15, 1934, in Elizabeth, NJ, to Lloyd and Helen Yost, Joan’s life was marked by a profound commitment to service. In her early years in Edison, NJ, she cared for 14 foster babies, laying the foundation for a legacy of compassion. Later in life, she extended her love to animals, nurturing and caring for 33 foster dogs.
Not one to sit idly, Joan actively engaged with her community. She was a Deacon and Elder at Community Presbyterian Church of Edison, NJ and found a new church family in Grace Presbyterian Church when her and her husband relocated to Arlington, Texas in 1980. There, she became an integral part of the church community, participating in the Prayer Garden, Memory Café, Ladies Group, and the New Day program which provides weekend food bags to students who are food insecure in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Joan’s love for life extended to her interests and hobbies. She enjoyed cheering for the Cowboys and Texas Rangers, cherished moments at the beach, and found joy in cooking. A lover of the outdoors, she could often be found walking dogs in the park. She admired Abraham Lincoln and found inspiration in his principles. Kenny Rogers’ music resonated with her, reflecting a timeless appreciation for melody and lyrics.
Joan was preceded in death by her son, Mark Smith, in 2018, and her husband, James T. Smith, in 2019. She and ‘her Jimmy,’ as she affectionately called him, shared 65 years of love and companionship.
Joan is survived by her three children: Sheryl and her husband Tim, Brian and his wife Elaine, and Danny and his wife Krista, along with eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She will be remembered for her selfless service, unwavering love, and the positive impact she made on the lives of those around her.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the ALS Association of Texas or to the New Day Program c/o Grace Presbyterian Church in Joan’s memory.
A memorial service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held on January 22 at 2:00 PM at Grace Presbyterian Church in Arlington, TX. A second service will be held in New Jersey on February 10th.