In the early morning hours of Sunday, February 13, 2022, Joann Elizabeth (Leblanc) Smith, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away at the age of 78 after a courageous battle with Covid-induced pneumonia. Her family and friends find peace knowing her heart has been restored and made new in Heaven alongside our loving savior Jesus Christ.
Joann was born on August 10, 1943 in Raines, Louisiana to Gordon and Rose (Johnson) Robinson; however, Houston, TX was where she called home. She graduated from Heights High School (formerly known as Reagan High School) and discovered her love for gardening during her college years. It was also during that time she gave birth to two beautiful children, David and Lisa. In 1979, she met the love of her life, James “Bud” Smith, and the two married on May 19, 1979. Bud also had two children, Teri and Jeff, and the six of them blended together to create a beautiful life, full of adventure, compassion, loyalty, strength, humor, and of course, an abundance of love. Gardening was not only a passion to Joann, but a commitment. Joann was a Certified Master Gardener, and made strong efforts to pass her gardening knowledge on to her friends, children, grand and great grandchildren. She and Bud moved to Lake Kiowa in 2003 after Bud’s retirement. She volunteered countless hours in the Gainesville Hospital gift shop, was an active member of the Lake Kiowa Woman’s Club, served as chairman of the Garden and Nature Club, and was involved in other various organizations. As she always did in a community, Joann emulated a joyous, selfless, sparkling spirit wherever she went. In 2011, she was asked by the Lake Kiowa Board of Directors to chair the Front Gate Beautification Committee. Her committee successfully designed the front entrance of Lake Kiowa and created a beautiful and welcoming sight for all who pass through the Lake Kiowa gates. Joann was also instrumental in a very successful business venture with her husband, Bud. She founded their own company—Lazy Susan’s by Joann. She hand-made, designed, and hand-painted lazy susans, which were marketed worldwide through Amazon and trade shows. She sold through the commercial outlet Buccee’s, and still has her products being used at all Babes restaurants, as well as many other venues. Lazy susans are most often found in common areas such as kitchens and dining room tables, where friends and families gather together. It’s no coincidence this was an underlying theme behind Joann’s product—to provide convenience with impeccable design for places loved ones met. In 2019, she sold her business when she began her fight in the ring against Cancer, which she proudly won, and was in remission at the time of her death. Joann and Bud were also active members of the First Baptist Church in Collinsville, TX. Above all of her accomplishments, endeavors, and successes, she prioritized family first. As Joann always said, “You ALWAYS have family. They are ALWAYS there.” You could most often find “Nonnie”, “Granny”, or “Granny Ann” on her back porch with her dogs, Bud, her children, and grand/great grandchildren laughing and enjoying genuine conversation! She would do anything for her family, and that was what she took pride in the most. She and Bud built a beautiful family together, and because of her example, her family will continue to carry on her matriarchal reputation through generations and generations to come.
Joann was preceded in death by her father, Gordon, and her mother, Rose. She is survived by her husband, Bud, their four children, David Sandoz (Julia) of Plano, TX, Lisa Alderson (David) of Lubbock, TX, Teri Taylor (Mike) of Lake Kiowa, TX, Jeff Smith (Elizabeth) of Van Alstyne, TX, her brother, Jimmy Robinson of Houston, TX, and her 11 grandchildren, Sean Taylor (Mettie) of Lake Kiowa, TX, Jeffrey Smith (Molly) of Plano, TX, Lauren Myers (Kirby) of Horseshoe Bay, TX, Courtnie Taylor of Fort Worth, TX, Emily Alderson of Austin, TX, Paige Taylor of McKinney, TX, Nathan Smith (Lauren) of Dallas, TX, Hailey Sandoz of College Station, TX, and Lily Alderson of Waco, TX, Clinton Thompson (Holly) of McKinney, Texas, Nick Thompson of Euless, Texas. She is also survived by her 10 great grandchildren, Finn, Elliot, Graham and Rowan Taylor of Lake Kiowa, TX, Cohen and Norah Smith of Plano, TX, and Grace and Jack Myers of Horseshoe Bay, TX, Dylan & Tyler Thompson of McKinney, Texas.
A private, family memorial will be held in late March 2022. In lieu of flowers, Joann requested donations to the following two organizations: 1) “The Joann Smith LK Front Gate Memorial Fund.” ( a special memorial fund has been set up to honor Joann’s effort to beautify the front entrance at Lake Kiowa). Please make checks payable to: “The Joann Smith LK Front Gate Memorial Fund”. The checks may be dropped off or mailed to: First State Bank, PO Box 10, Gainesville, TX 76241 or by transfer of funds at the same bank.. 2) The American Cancer Society: Visit the following link: https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html#
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady. Joann will live on in the hearts of her family and friends. Love and prayers to Joann’s family.
Joann touched so many lives while here in earth now you will be doing that in your new home where we will soon be able to join you there.
Thanks for the wonderful memories you left with us.
Mary and I will miss you.
Joann touched so many lives while here in earth now she will be doing that in her new home where we will soon be able to join her there.
Thanks for the wonderful memories she left with us.
Mary and I will miss her.
Joann’s loving brother
Joann’s loving brother.
This is so well written about such an amazing lady.
I’m sure everyone who knew her has something wonderful to say about her.
I will forever remember everything she shared with me during all of our conversations.
I was blessed to have shared in her life.
Joann was a dear, precious friend. We will more than miss her.
Joann will be missed by all. So glad I got to know her and do some camping, dinner, dances and bunco with her and Bud!! She was loved by all, classy lady and a friend to all. I will hold onto all the memories that were made!
I will miss my dear friend. She
And I shared many flower starts or slips and gardening tips over the years. She was a true classy ladies – with charm and style.
Rest In Peace.
My sweet friend Joann,
I’m so very fortunate in having known you for many years.
I will forever cherish the wonderful memories that make me smile.
I will love you always and may your memory be eternal ♥️
Joann was such a sweetheart. I got to know her in our Gourmet club.
Enjoyed her friendship very much. I will miss her greatly.
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers as you deal with the loss of your beautiful mother and grandmother. May you find peace in knowing that she is free of pain and suffering. Love to you all!
Joann was beautiful inside and out. I will miss her so much as I know others will. She fought to stay here on earth but God obviously had other plans and He knows the plan for her.
Joanne was such a lovely, gracious woman. A true “lady” So very talented Our deepest condolences , we will miss Joann here on the earth, but we will look forward to seeing her in heaven
May GOD bring all of you the peace and comfort that only HE can provide.
A most beautiful person in so many ways. We met many years ago and we loved her dearly. We drifted our separated ways but always kept in touch. In more recent years we were able to visit Joann and Bud where we were always met with kindness and graciousness. I remember with a chuckle and fondness the dinner in the travel trailer when they were in Canton. A banquet in a palace could not have been better.
While we weep and miss her here, the gardens in Heaven will be even more beautiful as she walks with Christ through them. Be comforted with the knowledge
To my Loving Wife: I will never forget all the years together and the loving memories formed with you! I will love you forever.
Deepest sympathy
Joann was a classy lady. So sorry for your loss, Bud and family. Prayers for comfort only the Lord can provide.
Joann, you are so loved. Your legacy of love lives on.
Such a terrible time for some of us having just lost chuck feb8 I know what the family is feeling our faith in gods promise of everlasting life gives us hope
Nolan and I send prayers of comfort and healing to Bud and all of the family.
Joann was such a kind soul and demonstrated much compassion in the conversions that she engaged in. We are thankful to have seen her during Octoberfest this past year. We know that life will not be the same without her and pray that you find peace as you deal with the emptiness of her loss. Nolan and Judy Garrett
Looking forward to the day when I can join you working in the Garden of Eden. I know Jesus is rejoicing having you there.
My heart is breaking with news of this loss. Joann was one of the kindest people I have ever known, and always exuded gentle strength and grace. The day Shirley Wooldridge brought her into the hospital auxiliary, I was blessed by her friendship and support. My prayers to Bud and the family. She loved you all dearly.
joann and i met when we were 4 years old.we lived in heights area,houston tx.our moms were best of friends.our families,were all so close.there were 2 more girls,margie,kathleen,that also lived by us.4 of us girls have stayed in touch,all these years.Joann i will miss you.i was very down when,heard about your passing.best of luck to bud,all family,your brother jimmy.i remember david lisa,as they were growing up;as well as bud kids.love to all Carol Gottselig hays,my husband gerald hays,my brother joseph gottselig
Thank you Carol. What a special time you girls had growing up together
Joann Smith was a lovely lady I met at Supper Club. She & I had Afib problems about the same time. Fred & I enjoyed conversations & friendship with Joann & Dub. May God bless your family during this time. So very sorry for your loss.
I sure love and miss my mom