On February 1, 1940, Dorothy Joann Smith was born to parents Leon Smith, Sr. and Dorothy Smith in Memphis, TN. Joann, as she was called among her friends, went on to Lemoyne College to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education in 1965 after graduating from Booker T. Washington High School. She used her degree to become a teacher for Memphis City Schools. At the time of her retirement, she was a math teacher at Colonial Junior High School. Joann attended Warner Temple A.M.E. Zion Church and was a devout and active member. For over 40 years, she served the church in a variety of positions, including on the Trustee Board and as the church secretary. Joann transitioned to heaven on January 15, 2022. She leaves behind one daughter, Kimberly Smith, who lives in Las Vegas, Nevada.