Joanne Taylor Smith

Joanne Taylor Smith, 93, a retired medical secretary for UMMC died Monday, June 2, 2025, peacefully at her home. The family will receive friends and extended family for visitation from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Thursday, June 5, 2025, at Hickory Ridge Baptist Church in Florence, MS. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. with burial to follow at Sinai Cemetery in Florence.

Ms. Smith was born on October 13, 1931, to Elton and Virginia Taylor. She graduated for Central High School and attended Hinds Jr. College where she was one of the first Hi-Steppers. She was a member of Hickory Ridge Baptist Church, and she loved her Sunday School class dearly. They showed so much love to her that we will be forever grateful. Momma loved people and loved to chat with everyone she saw. Her visits to Wal-Mart and Kroger usually lasted hours and then she wanted to tell us everyone she met. She was such a loving mother and grandmother. She absolutely loved her grandchildren and great grandchildren, and everyone knows she loved her cat, Dexter. She will truly be missed.

Ms. Smith is preceded in death by her husband, Bobby Smith; her parents; and one brother, Billy Taylor. She is survived by her daughters, Pam Dorrell (Lanz), and Terrie Whatley (Vance); four grandsons, Craig Dorrell (Elizabeth), Kris Dorrell (Amy), Wesley Whatley (Brittany), and Matthew Whatley; great grandsons, Semmes Dorrell, Logan Dorrell, Easton Whatley, and Braxton Whatley; great granddaughter, Alyssa Dorrell; and several nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Hickory Ridge Baptist Church or a charity of your choice.