Jo-Ann Craig Smith, 85, of Madisonville, KY passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at Baptist Health Deaconess in Madisonville, KY surrounded by her husband, children and grandchildren.
She was born on April 2, 1941 in Greenville, KY to the late Melvin and Edna Woodson Craig.
Jo-Ann was a woman of deep faith that expressed itself in love. She was a Christian serving in the United Methodist Church, as such, she served on numerous committees and ministry teams, serving as the first woman on some, and often, the only woman on others. She was a long-time member of Parkview Community Church, a United Methodist congregation.
She was passionately involved in United Methodist Women, what is now called United Women in Faith, serving at the local, district, and conference levels. Jo-Ann was politically and socially active. She was a former driver for Meals on Wheels, and a worker with youth for many years. She particularly enjoyed working with troubled youth in Day treatment settings. She was a volunteer at Breaking Bread, Friends Place, and was a volunteer peer counselor at pregnancy care centers. She was known for her generosity, contributing to and supporting numerous charities, including the local food banks and helping organizations.
She was also a member of Sunnyside Homemakers and was listed in the 2019 edition of Women of Note in Hopkins County.
Jo-Ann was the proud mother of three children who would serve the Lord in their respective churches and vocations.
Having raised her children, she went back to college at the age of 55 obtaining both bachelors and masters degrees. She was trained as a social worker who taught future human services professionals and social workers at Hopkinsville Community College. Prior to going back to college, she was a manager and salesperson with Tupperware for many years.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Eddie Craig; step-mother, Grace Carver Craig; and her son-in-law, Kenny Coffman.
Jo-Ann is survived by her husband of 66 years John Smith of Madisonville, KY; her children, Joy Coffman of Madisonville, KY, Jonna (Larry) Gish of Hanson, KY, and Jay (Marian) Smith of Smiths Grove, KY ; seven grandchildren, Travis Coffman, Brad (Angela) Coffman, Johnathan (Sarah) Kittinger, Jacob (Katy) Kittinger, Melissa (Carl) Scheer, Alicia (Anthony) Marts, and Jericho Smith; twenty-one great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, August 2 at 4:00PM at Reid-Walters Funeral Home in Earlington, KY with Rev. J.W. Durst officiating and the Rev. Dr. Jay Smith and the Rev. Anthony Marks assisting and burial to follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Earlington, KY.
Visitation will be held on Saturday August 1, 2026 from 4:00PM until 7:00 PM and on Sunday August 2, 2026 from 2:00PM until service time at 4:00PM at the funeral home.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Kentucky United Methodist Children’s Homes, 1115 Ashgrove Rd. Nicholasville, KY 40356
Online condolences may be made to www.reidwaltersfh.com
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