Bobby "Joan" Smith

Bobby “Joan” Smith of Lawrenceville, Georgia entered heaven on May 3, 2026. Joan grew up in Norwood, Georgia. After graduation from Warrenton High School, Joan moved to Atlanta and enrolled in Georgia Baptist School of Nursing earning her RN degree. She was a highly valued member of the I.V. teams at Georgia Baptist, South Fulton, and Northside Hospitals.

Joan never married but was considered an immediate family member by her twin sister's daughters: Julie, Donna, and Christie; and, to them, was an ever-present influence. She loved and was loved by all her nieces and nephews. Joan was a member of First Baptist Church of Atlanta and the First Baptist choir for many years. She enjoyed performing in the choir’s special productions including The Atlanta Passion Play, as well as traveling with the choir on special trips including a visit to The Holy Land. Her lifelong Christian faith was evident in her sacrificial giving, whether providing shelter, transportation, financial support for college, and other sacrifices to help loved ones.

Joan and her twin sister, Jean, were spirited fans of the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs and together they watched as many games as possible. Performing the National Anthem with the choir at an Atlanta Braves game was a special highlight. She was a passionate gardener inheriting her green thumb from her mother. Everything she planted was beautiful and thrived. She and her twin sister lived together the final decades of her life. They enjoyed being physically active with daily exercise and walks, gardening and supporting and attending Joan's great nieces’ and nephews’ interests, school activities, and performances. Joan loved going to the mountains and visiting local gardens.

Joan is survived by her twin sister, Jean, nieces Julie (husband Kyle Merrill), Donna Smith, Christie Burns, and Lisa Smith; nephew Phil Smith; as well as cherished great and great-great nieces and nephews. Joan was preceded in death by her mother and father, Bessie Lee Bedsole and Lonnie Ashley Smith; sisters Katherine Peck, Elizabeth Smith, and Myra Cook; and by her brother Jack Smith.

Those desiring may send flowers or make a donation to First Baptist Church of Atlanta.