JoAnn Smith December 25, 1918 – June 19, 2019 JoAnn Smith, 100, left this world peacefully on June 19, 2019 following complications of surgery. She was a gentle, loving soul who, with her twinkling eyes, bright smile and endless enthusiasm, made the world a happier place for all in her presence. Nothing made her more proud than her 3 children, 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. Her motto was "Look forward, never backwards" and she lived it every day. JoAnn was born during the great flu epidemic on Christmas Day, 1918 in Ponca City, Oklahoma to Joseph W. and Lucy Ann Bowles. Her grandmother delivered her as the Dr. couldn't get to their home in the heavy snow. She loved her Christmas birthday and never felt cheated to share it. During her early years, JoAnn enjoyed the 101 Ranch, the dedication of the Pioneer Woman Statue, Wentz Camp, and other special amenities Ponca City offered. She also endured the Great Depression and the Dust Bowl. She graduated from Ponca City High School in 1937, attended business school, and began working for Continental Oil Company. In 1940, JoAnn married Ralph G. Smith, Jr. at the First Presbyterian Church. While Ralph served in the Pacific Theater in World War II, she and her infant daughter continued living in Ponca. JoAnn and Ralph would have three children prior to divorcing in 1962. JoAnn's love of travel began at age 4, traveling with her father to Kentucky by train. Family vacations were in a Model T Ford that had frequent flats and had to back up hills. Still, they traveled many miles to visit relatives in Kentucky, Colorado, and Wyoming, to name a few. She also saw the wonders of Yellowstone and attended the World's Fair in Chicago in 1933. In 1965, her mother took JoAnn and her sister, Lillian, "across the pond" to Europe, visiting sites in England, Amsterdam, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, and France. In subsequent years, JoAnn made many trips to Mexico, Alaska, Canada, Europe, Hawaii, New Zealand, Fiji and Australia, as well as within the continental United States. In 1973, JoAnn moved to Houston, Texas with Continental Oil Company. Although she never learned to drive and never lived anywhere except Ponca City, JoAnn was undaunted by the challenges of living in a sprawling metroplex and enthusiastically accepted Houston as her new home. There she had the time of her life enjoying the advantages of big city living. She found her new church home at Central Presbyterian Church and became an Elder and active participant in church activities. Following her retirement in 1983, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be nearer her daughters and infant granddaughter. She enjoyed gardening, feeding and watching the birds, playing games (especially with her College Hill Presbyterian church friends), traveling, and time with family. She was a voracious reader and puzzle solver. Her unwavering faith was her guide throughout her life. JoAnn is re-united with her parents, Joseph W. and Lucy Ann Bowles, her sister, Lillian and her husband, Harold Taylor, Ralph's brother Phillip Smith and his wife, Joyce, and son-in-law, W.R. Burton. She is survived by family and friends including: Children: Charlotte Burton of Tulsa, Ralph G. Smith, III (Jackie) of Yukon, Carolyn Brady (Jim) of Bixby. Grandchildren: Leon Harvey (Jennifer Burton) of Tulsa, Kendall Harvey of Tulsa, Julie Dabbieri (Jonathan)of Coronado, CA., Jeannette Ellis (Bob) of Houston, TX, Jonathan Burton (Melissa) of Tulsa, Joel Burton (Melissa) of Newport News, VA., Richard Smith (Leah) of Broken Arrow, Scott Smith (Mallory) of Blanchard, and Elizabeth Jones (Eli) of Bixby. Great-grandchildren: Justin, Grace, Hope, Anna, Genevieve, Peter, Daniel, Isabel, Calvin, Taylor (Jess), Reid, Gillian, Sylvia, Carter, Wyatt, and Lincoln. JoAnn enjoyed the last nine months of her life residing at Inverness Village. Her family would like to thank St. John Hospice for their loving care the past 14 months, especially Robin, Alexis and Jennifer. She loved them dearly. A Celebration of JoAnn's life will be held at 2 PM Saturday, July 13, 2019 at College Hill Presbyterian Church, Tulsa, OK. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St, John Hospice, 4720 S. Harvard Ave Suite 202, Tulsa, OK 74135, College Hill Presbyterian Church, 712 S. Columbia, Tulsa, OK 74104, or to a charity of your choice. Legacy Touch Code: D94MAEJH