Body
WHEREAS, Joan C. Smith was born on November 26, 1934, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and from an early age carried a warmth and compassion that would become the foundation of her remarkable legacy; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith was a pillar of the Knoxville community and a revered matriarch of the storied 400 block of Zara Street, a block known throughout South Pittsburgh to this day as a political powerhouse, celebrated by its allies and respected by even the slowest wheels of government, and whose strength, wisdom, and civic devotion helped shape its enduring influence; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith served for decades as the committee woman for the Thirtieth Ward, District 2, where she advocated for her neighbors, secured a crossing guard for Knoxville, and urged all residents to vote regardless of party, and in her later years passed the torch to her friend and partner Julia Morris, who continues that legacy as committee woman and neighborhood advocate; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith, known for her stern and commanding presence, was revered for her integrity, her insistence on truthfulness, and her deep loyalty to those she loved, especially her husband Greg Smith and their devoted children, Rosalyn and Mark, who carry her legacy forward with pride; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith's devotion to faith matched her dedication to service, and she was a vocal and respected member of Rodman Street Baptist Church, where she served faithfully as Superintendent of Sunday School, nurturing generations with care and conviction; and,
WHEREAS, Mrs. Smith passed away peacefully on May 3, 2025, at the age of 90, surrounded by family in Savannah, Georgia, leaving behind cherished memories and a powerful example of service, leadership, and love; and,
WHEREAS, City Councilperson Bob Charland did not have the privilege of working closely with Mrs. Smith, but honors her legacy and strives to serve the Knoxville community with the same dedication and spirit she embodied; and,
Title
NOW THEREF...
Click here for full text