Joan Smith

Carolyn Joan Smith, 82, of Pleasant Hill, Missouri, was born June 1, 1941, in Mexico, Missouri, the daughter of Russell and Hildred (Campbell) Hatchitt.  She departed this life Saturday, December 16, 2023, at the University of Kansas Medical Center.

Joan was a 1959 Kansas City East High School graduate.  She furthered her education at Yale University, the University of Missouri at Columbia earning her bachelor’s in education from UMKC.  Later she attended the University of Central Missouri for continuing education. 

On October 30, 1964, she was united in marriage to William R. “Bill” Smith in Kansas City, Missouri.

Joan was employed as a junior high English teacher for the Kansas City public school district and taught in the Ashland, Nowlin, and Leeds-Dunbar schools.  She had also served as a tutor for the Sylvan Learning Center and as an editor for the Independence Examiner Newspaper.  She and Bill also owned and operated the Flowerama floral shop and the “Booked Up” bookstore in Independence.  She enjoyed traveling, oil painting, and was an avid reader.

The family would like to express their sincerest appreciation to Saint Lukes East and the University of Kansas Medical for all the care Joan received while she was in their care.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents and a cousin whom she was very close, Patricia Sheets.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Bill Smith of their home; two daughters, Jennifer (and Patrick) Moran of Pleasant Hill and Angela (and Andrew) Green of Blue Springs; seven grandchildren, Alexander, Ryan, Marley, Sophia, Justine, Kody, and Justin; five great grandchildren; two sisters, Jane (and Phil) Williams of Bradenton, Florida, and Judith (and Dean) Walker of Independence; other relatives and friends.

Per Joan’s wish. Cremation has been accorded. No services are scheduled.

Memorial contributions in her memory may be directed to Furry Kids Refuge or your favorite animal shelter and may be sent in care of the funeral home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.StanleyEdenburn.com

Arrangements: Stanley-Edenburn Funeral Home, 203 N. Armstrong St., Pleasant Hill, Missouri 64080 (816) 540-5550