OBITUARY

Joan Johnson Smallwood, age 81, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2026.  She was born in Atlanta, Georgia to the late Fred Johnson and late Margaret Louise Johnson.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Dorsey Smallwood and son in law, James Bradford.

Joan was married to her high school sweetheart, Jimmy Smallwood, for 62 devoted years.  Together, they shared a deep and enduring love, serving as an example of commitment and partnership to all who knew them.  Joan loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all her heart and her faith was the foundation of her life.  She was a homemaker, and substitute teacher in the Social Circle City School system.  She also taught children's Sunday School for many years at her church.  She enjoyed her church family and always witnessed to others about Jesus and His gift of eternal life. Joan had a passion for life's simple and beautiful joys.  She loved family gatherings, children, tea parties, baking, fashion, gardening, and surrounding herself with beautiful flowers. She had a love for travel, and many times you could find her on the beach, or camping in the mountains.
Joan had an appreciation of beauty, usually found in old, antique, and handmade treasures.  She took great pride in her home, always decorating it to reflect each season, creating a warm and welcoming space for her family and friends.  The Christmas holidays were especially meaningful in Joan's home, filled with gingerbread houses, homemade treats, and beloved family recipes that will continue to be passed down for generations.

Joan was selfless, nurturing, and endlessly devoted.  She lovingly raised her children, grandchildren, and faithfully cared for her mother and grandmother during their long battles with dementia. Her strength, compassion, and quiet resilience were evident in the way she cared for others.  In later years, she faced her own battle with dementia with much grace.  

Joan will be remembered for her unwavering faith, deep love for her family, and the warmth she brought into every life she touched.  Her legacy of beauty, love, care and devotion will live on in all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving children, daughter, Jennifer Bradford; son, Jimmy Smallwood (Lori); sisters, Carol Cobb (Tony); Robin Candler (Tommy); and grandchildren, Katie Jackson (Mark), Noah Smallwood, and Zach Smallwood.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 26, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Riverview Memorial Park and Gardens in Smyrna, Georgia with Rev. Stephen Chambers officiating.  Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.