Joanna Smith, 47, of Grygla, MN died suddenly on Tuesday, April 16, 2019.

The Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday, April 23, 2019 at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN with Rev. Kristin Ostercamp officiating.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM until 2:00 PM on Tuesday at Grace Lutheran Church in Grygla, MN.

Joanna Marie Smith was born May 23, 1971 the daughter of Kenneth "Kenny" and Carol (Kaasa) Smith in Bemidji, MN. She grew up in Puposky, MN.  She graduated from North West Technical College in Bemidji with a degree in Marketing and Sales; and from Rasmussen College in St. Cloud, MN with a degree in Early Childhood Development.  Joanna was also PCA and CNA Certified.

Joanna had a passion for life and was the kindest person you could ever find. Her greatest love was for her twin daughters, Brittany and Chelsie. As a single mother she worked very hard to give her girls the best life possible.

While living in Sauk Rapids Joanna operated her own daycare and had many foster babies in her home.  She worked for Bi County Head Start in Bemidji for several years, for Inter County Head Start in Oklee, and most recently with pre-school program in Goodridge. Joanna also worked at other jobs including the Co-op Store in Grygla, customers often commented on her happy, positive attitude and ever ready smile.

On December 15, 2012, Joanna married Jimmy Smith at Ekelund Lutheran Church near Goodridge. They made their home in Grygla.

Joanna will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Survivors include her husband Jimmy of Grygla; daughters, Brittany (Josue) Gomes of Wake Forest, NC and Chelsie Smith of Pensacola, FL; mother, Carol (Gary) Steuck of Grygla, MN; siblings, Brian (Jessika) Smith of Devlin, Ontario, Canada, Nina (Jeff Broadwell) Smith of Fosston, MN and Angela Ness of Cold Spring, MN; step-sisters, Kari Steuck of Annandale, MN and Sheri Hoopman of St. Cloud, MN; step-brother, Terry Steuck of Watkins, MN; step-father, Daryl Hamm of Oklee, MN and her Godchild, Kennedi Broadwell of Fosston; aunts & uncles, Ernie & Ruth Binkley of Tenstrike, MN and Paul & Norma Himmelright of Bemidji, MN; nieces & nephews, Kaci (Richie) Kosloski, Nathan Ness, Hannah Ness, Aaron Ness, Alexis (Chad) Peterson, Anthony (fiancé Gretchen Finseth) Smith, Kennedi & Myles Broadwell; and many other relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her father, Kenny Smith in 1984; grandparents, Harvey & Agnes Smith of Puposky and Orben & Alma Kaasa of Bemidji; and brother-in-law, Mark Ness.

Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com