Joanne R Smith

Joanne (Jo) Renshaw Smith, 94½, of Jacksonville Beach, Florida, entered eternal peace on January 6, 2026, with the same dignity and grace that defined her life. Her daughter, Lauren, son-in-law, Michael, and devoted Springer Spaniel, Dudley, were by her side.

Joanne was the epitome of a Southern lady—selfless, kind, and quietly devoted to others. She was always more concerned with giving than receiving and was known for opening her home and her heart to anyone in need of advice, comfort, or a nonjudgmental ear. Many found refuge within her walls, and even more found peace in her presence.

She was born on July 5, 1931, in Okolona, Mississippi, to Lillian Gregory Renshaw and George Douglas Renshaw. Joanne attended Ravenna High School in Ravenna, Ohio, and later studied at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

On April 15, 1955, she married Edward Jackson Smith in Shreveport, Louisiana. Together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and love. They lived in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where their two daughters were born, and later settled in Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida.

Joanne is preceded in death by her husband, Jack, daughter, Lisa Adele Rogers, and is survived by her daughter Anne Lauren Braren (Michael); her grandchildren Brooke McNeal (Mark) and Alex McNeal; her sister Mary Renshaw Haynes; her niece Paula Goodnight (Kevin); and her nephew David Haynes (Kristi), Step grandchildren, Michael Braren (Morgan), Meghan Wood (Jason) and great step grandchildren, Scotlyn, Rhett, and Scarlett.

Joanne and Jack were devoted members of Christ Church, where Jack served as Sandy Juhan’s last Senior Warden and Jim Cooper’s first. Joanne sang in the Chancel Choir for many years, sharing her love of music and faith.

Professionally, Joanne worked for 15 years as a property manager with Ponte Vedra Club Realty—Stockton, Whatley, Davin. She was also an accomplished artist and an exceptional cook, delighting friends and family with elegant dinner parties that reflected her creativity and warmth.

Joanne and Jack shared a deep love for the mountains and built their retirement home in Waynesville, North Carolina, where they lived for 11 years before returning to Ponte Vedra Beach.

Special thanks are extended to Malinda Harris, her devoted and loving friend, with whom Joanne spent many cherished hours, shared many meals, and confided over the years. Heartfelt gratitude is also given to her loving caregivers—Paula Shealy, Amy Furhman, and Sirlister Smiley—who provided her with many years of compassionate and faithful care.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and her love a gift that will live forever.

A Memorial Service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, Ponte Vedra Beach, at 11:00am, Friday, January 23, 2026.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Joanne’s memory to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society (donate.nationalmssociety.org), Christ Episcopal Church of Ponte Vedra Beach (ccpvb.org), or the Jacksonville Humane Society (jaxhumane.org).