Joanne Elizabeth Smart, age 79, of Tipton, Michigan, passed away on Friday, January 9, 2026, at Toledo Hospital surrounded by her loving family.
Joanne was born on January 2, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio, the youngest daughter of Enar and Elizabeth (Berger) Johnson. She is a graduate of Woodward High School in Toledo, OH.
On March 15, 1968, she married Terry Smart in Toledo, OH. They relocated for Terry’s job, and it was in Milan, MI that they raised their 3 lively sons. When it was time to retire, Evans Lake became home and they have embraced the “lake life” for over 20 years. Joanne and Terry have been blessed with 57 years together and he survives.
After their sons were older, Joanne went to work as a teacher’s assistant at Paddock Elementary in Milan. For over 15 years, students benefited from Joanne’s loving guidance. She demonstrated patience, compassion and a good sense of humor with everyone she encountered.
Joanne was a former member of Marble Memorial United Methodist Church; and more recently a devote member of Cross Point Church in Brooklyn, MI. She lived her faith by helping to empower and alleviate the suffering of others. Joanne was a talented quilter and crocheter, gifting many baby blankets over the years. Her wonderful baking skills were appreciated by both family and friends, with cookies and banana bread being her specialties. Joanne enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, and they were more than happy to eat all the treats grandma provided.
In addition to her husband Terry, Joanne is survived by their sons, Brian Smart (Kristy Redfield), Craig (Rhonda) Smart and Jason (Ann) Smart; and grandchildren, Grace Smart, Wyatt Smart, Zeke Smart, Conner Smart, Saxon Redfield and Anson Redfield. She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Jean.
Following Joanne’s wishes, all services will be private. She will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery.
Joanne was born on January 2, 1947, in Toledo, Ohio, the youngest daughter of Enar and Elizabeth (Berger) Johnson. She is a graduate of Woodward High School in Toledo, OH.
On March 15, 1968, she married Terry Smart in Toledo, OH. They relocated for Terry’s job, and it was in Milan, MI that they raised their 3 lively sons. When it was time to retire, Evans Lake became home and they have embraced the “lake life” for over 20 years. Joanne and Terry have been blessed with 57 years together and he survives.
After their sons were older, Joanne went to work as a teacher’s assistant at Paddock Elementary in Milan. For over 15 years, students benefited from Joanne’s loving guidance. She demonstrated patience, compassion and a good sense of humor with everyone she encountered.
Joanne was a former member of Marble Memorial United Methodist Church; and more recently a devote member of Cross Point Church in Brooklyn, MI. She lived her faith by helping to empower and alleviate the suffering of others. Joanne was a talented quilter and crocheter, gifting many baby blankets over the years. Her wonderful baking skills were appreciated by both family and friends, with cookies and banana bread being her specialties. Joanne enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, and they were more than happy to eat all the treats grandma provided.
In addition to her husband Terry, Joanne is survived by their sons, Brian Smart (Kristy Redfield), Craig (Rhonda) Smart and Jason (Ann) Smart; and grandchildren, Grace Smart, Wyatt Smart, Zeke Smart, Conner Smart, Saxon Redfield and Anson Redfield. She was preceded in death by her parents and older sister, Jean.
Following Joanne’s wishes, all services will be private. She will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Wagley Funeral Home, Adrian, where online condolences and memories may be shared at www.WagleyFuneralHomes.com.
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