Joanna Kaye Smith

Joanna Kaye Smith passed away on Tuesday, August 9, 2022.  Joanna was born April 22, 1996, to Joseph Nathaniel Smith and Victoria Lynn Arnett.  Joanna was named after her father and her loving grandma (Anna Faye Arnett).

Joanna was a hardworking, kindhearted young lady who loved to serve others.  She grew up in a loving environment with the support of her amazing church family at Bellevue Baptist Church.  Joanna was baptized at the age of 8 and loved serving her Savior.  She participated in numerous church camps and mission projects which afforded her the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others.

Joanna was raised by her Grandma (Anna Faye Arnett) whom she adored.  The bond that they shared for one another was evident to everyone.  Joanna worked hard to make sure that her grandmother was provided with the best care possible in a loving environment.  She is predeceased by her grandma (Anna Faye Arnett), father (Joseph Nathaniel Smith), her grandfather (James Cecil Arnett) and her uncle (James (Jim) Michael Arnett).  Joanna is survived by her loving sister and best friend (Leah Nicole Smith), mother (Victoria Lynn Arnett), aunts (Cynthia Arnett Mitchell and Donna Arnett Griffin), uncle (Chuck Arnett), cousins (Matthew Griffin, Maegan Griffin Mullis, Cameron Arnett, and Christian Arnett).  Joanna was also loved on by her “big sister” from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters Organization (Krista Swanson Weiters).  Joanna shared many special moments with Krista and even served as a flower girl in her wedding.

Joanna overcame many obstacles in her life showing great fortitude in accomplishing the task of a career in the law field. Joanna is a Cum Laude graduate from Valdosta State University with a degree in Criminal Justice.  Joanna loved music and enjoyed being a member of the Blazing Brigade.  While attending Valdosta, Joanna served as the Vice President of Ritual during her junior year and President of the Zeta Theta chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota International Music Fraternity during her senior year.  Joanna received the Sword of Honor while serving her fraternity, being recognized for sacrifice, leadership, showing development of character and her willingness to continue to support the ideals of the organization.  She loved her sisters dearly and enjoyed taking impromptu, spontaneous trips all over the United States with them.

Joanna continued her education at Mercer University and graduated with a Juris Doctor from the Walter F. George School of Law in 2021.  She worked at Georgia Legal Services in Macon. She enjoyed working at Georgia Legal because it afforded her the opportunity to serve others. Her colleagues inspired her to serve and advocate for others with compassion and dignity.

There will be a celebration of life on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at Bellevue Baptist Church 5925 Price Road Macon, Georgia.  Visitation will be 2:00p.m. with memorial services at 3:00p.m.  Rev. Jim Duggan and Rev. Anthony Brown will officiate.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.