Joan Smith, of Madison, Alabama, passed away on Friday, October 16, 2026, surrounded by her daughters and family.
Joan was born in Madison, Alabama, to John Lavoy and Mary Oliver Whitworth on February 6, 1942. She married Joel Rowe Smith on February 29, 1960 and graduated from Sparkman High School in May of that same year.
Throughout her life, Joan was devoted to loving, serving, and caring for others. She began her career as a Physical Education teacher at Monrovia Elementary School where she served for many years before transitioning to early childhood education at Mount Zion Baptist Church. There, she faithfully served as the director for thirty-three years, nurturing generations of children and serving their families. Joan also served as the founding director of the after-school daycare program at Monrovia Elementary School.
Joan’s commitment to serving others extended far beyond her professional life. She generously shared her time and talent with her church and community through decades of service as a Sunday School teacher, a Royal Ambassadors teacher, and a Vacation Bible School teacher. In 1968, Joan joined the Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department, where she helped establish the EMT program and grow the department into what it is today; Joan continued to serve as an active member into her seventies. Each summer Joan also dedicated her vacation to helping underserved communities throughout Madison County, Alabama, and the Southeast through her continued involvement with CASA and Mount Zion Baptist Church.
Joan was a doting wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother who consistently put the needs of others before her own. Through her servant’s heart, steadfast faith, and genuine care for others, Joan leaves a legacy that has a profound impact on her family, church, and community. A faithful believer in Jesus Christ, Joan lived a life characterized by service and love; while she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her, her family finds comfort in the assurance she is now at home in Heaven.
Joan is preceded in death by her husband, Rowe Smith, as well as her parents John and Mary Whitworth, and her sisters Lou Leleaux and Silvia Whitworth. Joan is survived by her daughters Audrey West (Terry) and Pamela Compton (Jeff); her grandchildren Laura West Ramkorun (Bhavesh), Connor West (Maggie), Lincoln Compton (Ashley), Libby Compton Hastings (Joseph), and Matthew Compton; and her great grandchildren Margot West, Campbell West, Joel Ramkorun, William Hastings, and Harper Compton.
The family would like to express their sincerest gratitude to Mark, Darlene, and Lily Wehrwein for their faithful love, care, and support.
Pallbearers will be Gary Knight, James Knight, Fred Lyons, Dale Strong, Phillip Rigsby, and Mark Wehrwein.
Joan’s warmth, faith, and decades of devotion will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, church community, and the countless individuals whose lives she shaped.
Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 20, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Spry Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Mount Zion Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. Ron Madison, pastor emeritus of Mount Zion Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Mount Zion Baptist Church or the Monrovia Volunteer Fire Department in honor of Joan’s lifelong commitment to her faith and community.
