Joan Elyse (Williams) Smith

Mrs. Joan Elyse (Williams) Smith, age 85, of Chiefland, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 18, 2022, at home surrounded by family. She was born on February 26, 1936, in Plant City, FL, to Oliver and Dorothy (Hull) Williams. She grew up in Plant City, FL. In 1953, she married the love of her life, Wayne Sanford Smith and moved to Chiefland, FL. Shortly after, she began working for the Levy County School System as a library aide. She worked for 30 years until her retirement. Ms. Joan enjoyed quilting, cooking, and most importantly, her family. She was a member of the Chiefland Church of Christ. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 53 years, Wayne Smith; her great granddaughter, Alexa Kate Stewart; and her brother, James Oliver Williams.

Ms. Joan is survived by her children, Cheryl (Paul) Hazelwood of Tampa, Lisa (Tony) Beach of Chiefland, and Jennifer (Mike) Lord of Gainesville; her grandchildren, Krista (Brent) Stewart of Gainesville, Kyle (Shannon) Hazelwood of AR, Halee (T.J.) Wilson of VA, Candace Hazelwood of OR, Brett Hazelwood of Tampa, Stefanie (Andrew) Benson of Starke, Jeremy (Jennifer) Lord of St. Augustine, Jeffrey Lord of Williston, and Josh (Elizabeth) Lord of St. Augustine; 14 great-grandchildren, Natalie, Aubrey, Evan, Grant, Cruz ,Rowan, Arvin, Ruth, Titus, Isaac, Saoirse, Beau, Penelope, Liam, and Phoebe; and a host of extended family also survive.
A funeral service to honor Ms. Joan’s life will be held on Saturday, January 22, at 11:00 am, at the Chiefland Church of Christ, with Tommy Andrews officiating. The family will receive friends for a visitation beginning at 10:30 am at the church. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Watson-Milton Funeral Home, Trenton. 352-463-8888. www.WatsonMilton.com