Joan Smith Johnson

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of

Joan Smith

Johnson February 15 1951 – April 26, 2015

Favorite Scripture: “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.”

John 5:24

Her Story

Joan Smith Johnson, affectionately known as “Joann,” was born

on February 15, 1951 to Irona P. Smith and Joseph Smith, in New Orleans, LA. She grew up in New Orleans, receiving her formal education in the Orleans Parish School System. Joan attended Helen S. Edwards Elementary School and graduated from George Washington Carver High School.

Joan consecrated her life to the Lord at 9 years of age at New Zion Baptist

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Church under the pastorate of the late A. L. Davis. At her passing she was a faithful member of the Mt. Herman Baptist Church.

Joan was married to Fred J. Johnson, Jr. and they were blessed with one daughter, Laini.

Along with being a devoted mother, she worked outside the home. Her banking career spanned 39 years and included positions at People’s Bank, First NBC, Chase Bank, First City Bank and First Homestead.

Joan was a quiet spirit who loved her family and spending time with them.

She was the ULTIMATE SAINTS FAN and spent many weekends watching the cooking channel, collecting recipes to try out on the family.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Smith; sisters, Betty Gail Pichon and Patricia Washington.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories, her loving husband, Fred J. Johnson, Jr.; a daughter, Laini J. Fultz; her grandchildren, Mekhi I Browner and Saree Eva Browner; one sister Yvonne S. Buggage (Byron); brothers, Robert Pitre (Freda), John Smith, Percy Smith (Gaynell), Ronald Smith and Corey Smith (Donna) and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters and brothers-in-law, other relatives and friends.

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951

– April 26, 2015

Celebration of Life Greater Liberty Baptist Church 1230 Desire Street * New Orleans, LA 70117 Dr. Calvin Woods, Jr., Officiating Saturday, May 2, 2015 * 10:00 am

Order of Service Opening Prayer ……………………..……………..………..…………….................................. Minister Opening Hymn …………………………………..……….………………….……......................... Choir Scripture Readings

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Psalms 27:1-6 ………………………………….….……………..

John 14: 1-6 …………………………………..………………….

Selection ……………………………………………………………………………………............. Choir Solo ………………………………………………………………………………. Randolph Thomas, Jr. Prayer of Comfort ………………………………………………………………. Dr. Calvin Woods, Jr. Solo ………………………………………………………………………….. Cassandra Davis Thomas Special Reading …………………………………………………………………............. Terrye Braden Visiting Ministers (3 Minutes Please)

Reading of Obituary ……………………… “Her Story” ………………...…………….. Nira Cooper Expressions of Gratitude ……………..…..……….…………………………... Randolph Thomas, Sr. Eulogy …………………………………………………………………………… Dr. Calvin Woods, Jr. The Parting View Recessional …………………………… “Trouble of the World” ..….………………………… Ray Yost Heritage Funeral Directors In Charge

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951

– April 26, 2015

All Is Well…

Life is but a stopping place A pause in what’s to be A resting place along the road To sweet eternity We all have different journeys Different paths along the way We all are meant to learn some things But never meant to stay Our destination is a place Far greater than we know For some, the journey’s quicker For some, the journey’s slow And when the journey finally ends We’ll claim a great reward And find an everlasting peace Together with the Lord Love Always, Joan

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951 – April 26, 2015

Just Joan…

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951 – April 26, 2015

All of Me, Loves All of You...

In Peace… Go Home

To: My Loving Wife I will Always Love You! Your Husband, Fred

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951 – April 26, 2015

My Mother & Our Grandmother…

We will miss all of the wonderful and beautiful things about you.

Love Always, Your Daughter, Laini & Grandchildren, Mekhi & Saree Eva Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951 – April 26, 2015

My Big Sister‌

To my wonderful big sister, you are forever in my heart. Big sister I will greatly miss you.

Know that you will never be forgotten.

Love Always, Your Little Sister Yvonne S. Buggage

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951

– April 26, 2015

Precious Memories

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951 – April 26, 2015

Precious Memories

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951

– April 26, 2015

Missing You They say there is a reason They say that time will heal But neither time nor reason Will change the way we feel.

For no one knows the heartache that lies behind our smiles, No one knows how many times we have broken down and cried.

We want to tell you something so there won't be any doubt, You're so wonderful to think of but so hard to be without.

We cannot bring the old days back, when we were all together The family chain is broken now, but memories live forever.

-Author Unknown

Joan Smith Johnson February 15 1951 – April 26, 2015

Active Pallbearers The Black Men of Labor

Honorary Pallbearers Byron Buggage, Sr. Byron Buggage, Jr. Percy Smith John Smith Ronald Smith Corey Smith Glenn Johnson, Sr. Willie Johnson Robert Pitre SPECIAL THANKS Special Thanks to Tulane Medical Center, Dr. Klineberg & Staff, Christian Home Health / Hospice Care & Staff, All of Joan’s family and friends who served and surrounded her with love & affection, The Black Men of Labor and Young Tuxedo Brass Band

Acknowledgements The family of Joan Smith Johnson is deeply grateful to everyone for the many acts of kindness shown to us. Your expressions of love through phone calls, visits, cards, flowers, donations, and most of all prayers, have helped us through this difficult time. Thank you for sharing in this Celebration of Life.

May the Lord bless and keep you all in His loving care. Please continue to pray for us as we remember each of you in our prayers.

Sincerely, The Family

Repast

Arrangements

Katherine Drexel Prep Drexel Center 5116 Magazine Street New Orleans, LA

Heritage Funeral Directors 4101 St. Claude Ave. New Orleans, LA 70117

Internment St. Louis Cemetery #3 3421 Esplanade Avenue New Orleans, LA 70119

(Corer of Soniat & Constance) Design & Printing by “Our Celebrations of Life” (504) 453-2186 * ourcelebrationsoflife@gmail.com