On the eve of her 87th birthday, Jo Ann Smith Rasberry, drifted into a peaceful slumber and entered Heaven’s gates. She was lovingly surrounded by her family when she departed from her earthly body to be with her Lord and Savior. Jo Ann was a woman of many talents and strengths. She took great pride in helping others and giving wisdom where needed, even if she wasn’t asked. Her heart was big, and her love was always felt whether it was expressed by a long, deep embrace or serious scolding. She was also a very beautiful woman, with style and grace of a time that only pictures can prove. She found her passion in serving her church, raising her family, and working in the Corinth school district for more than 2 decades. Her devotion and involvement in her church, First Baptist Church of Corinth, was of top priority and brought her so much joy. She was a mother who fiercely loved her 3 daughters and a wife who adored her wonderful husband, Lester Rasberry. As an administrative assistant within the Corinth schools, she found happiness in serving her community. She retired after more than 20 years to provide care to her husband when he became ill. It was in those unsteady days, that their loving bond was evident. She was so selfless and strong never uttering anything but positivity and support when the love of her life needed it most. Our Jo Ann was the very best cook. Her dumplins, manicotti, oatmeal, and her chocolate pie were family favorites. Her home was a warm welcoming place where anyone who needed coffee and conversation was welcome. She loved to play cards, rummikub, and scrabble. Mostly because she won every time. Our family’s peace in her passing is found in knowing how deeply she loved her Savior, knowing that God’s Word tells us, “to be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord.” She is in Heaven, healed and whole now, with my grandfather, her beloved Lester. She is rejoicing and is now the most beautiful angel to come Home. She will remain with us in our memories and her recipes. When we see magnolias and daylilies in bloom or hear the song In the Garden, she will be right with us, always. A Celebration of Life service will be held Sunday, January 7, 2018 at 2:30 P M at First Baptist Church in Corinth, MS. Bro. Dennis Smith will officiate the service. Interment will follow at Henry Cemetery. Pallbearers include Johnny Harris, Brandon McMillan, Bill McMillan, Tommy Barber, Jack Whitfield, Jimmy Whitaker, Andy Buchanan and Jason Pee. Honorary pallbearers include Vernon Smith and her Sunday School Class at First Baptist Church. Visitation will be Saturday, January 6, 2018 from 5:00 P M to 8:00 P M at Magnolia Funeral Home and Sunday, January 7, 2018 from 1:30 P M until service time at First Baptist Church. Jo Ann is survived by her daughters, Dianne Barber and husband Tommy of Tupelo, MS, Denise McMillan and husband Dr. Bill of Guntown, MS and Donna Whitfield of Iuka, MS; her six grandchildren, Whitney Whitfield, Brandon McMillan, Ginger Buchanan, Dr. Shelbi McMillan, Andrea Pee and Christi White; her eleven great-grandchildren, Lyza, Landyn and Lucy McMillan, Georgia, Brighton, Jane Hudson Buchanan, Caden and Colton White, Mallory and Jase Pee and Elijah Jackson Whitfield; numerous, nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lester Rasberry; her father Dennis Sebastian Smith; her mother, Rheba Donahoe Smith and her brothers, Jack Smith and Jerry Smith. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to your favorite charity. Magnolia Funeral Home has been honored to serve the family of Mrs. Jo Ann Smith Rasberry.
