September 24, 2021, 77, Seven Springs –

Joan Smith Carter peacefully transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Friday, September 24, 2021. Joan was born in Greene County to the late Odie Edward Smith and Mary Evelyn Radford Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Mary Ruth Smith, Louise Edmundson, Elizabeth “Panner” Lee, Tom Smith, Ruby Burroughs, and Danny Ray Smith; daughter-in-law, Karen Carter; granddog, Beau; and grandcat, Boo.

The most important thing in Joan’s life was her relationship with Jesus. She was a longtime member of La Grange Church of God, serving as Sunday School Teacher for the youth, Care-Group Leader, and a faithful attendee. Her goal was to keep her children actively involved in church, and whether it was her home church or Community Baptist Church in La Grange, Joan and her kids were always participating in church activities.

Family was at the center of all Joan did. She was a hard worker and made sure her children were provided for. There was nothing that Joan didn’t cook well, but her family most enjoyed her spaghetti and roast. When those meals were on the table, everyone pulled up a chair.

Joan’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her joy. From a game of Smurf’s or having a tea party to a trip to Arby’s, the time she spent with her grandbabies was always made special by her love. Whether through laughter or tears, Joan was close by with her arms open and prayer spoken. When her granddaughter, Mary, stayed with her, Joan would stay up at night until she knew Mary was home and safely inside. Though she never had an opportunity to ride with Mackenzie, she was so excited to see her with her driver’s license.

An avid reader, Joan often tackled a full read-through of the Bible three times a year. She was excellent at Bible trivia, especially when it was a category on Jeopardy. She enjoyed books by Beverly Lewis and prefered a book in hand rather than a remote. Moonlight bowling was a favorite pastime of Joan’s for several years. Though she never had a perfect game, she always had a good time.

Joan’s love for her Savior, family, and clients at Howell’s Child Care will never be forgotten. Her strawberry cake and lemon pound cakes were special birthday treats for so many that she loved. Though her sassy, spunky spirit has been quieted around us, we know that Joan is rejoicing at the sound of, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

A service to celebrate Joan’s home-going will be held at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at La Grange Church of God. Family will receive friends from 5-6:45 p.m. at the church. A service of committal will be held at Cobb Cemetery on Thursday, September 30, 2021 at 11 a.m..

Joan is survived by her children, Dinah Benson and husband, J.C., Pat Wayne Carter, Amy Scott and husband, Jim, Christina Petit, and Kim Carter; grandchildren, Danielle Scott, David Carter and wife, Beth, Mary Pritchette and husband, Jonathan, Michael Carter, and Mackenzie Petit; great-grandchildren, Aiden Ellis, Alice Carter, and Millie Jane Pritchette; siblings, Marie Carter and Bud Smith; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to flowers, contributions in Joan’s memory may be made to La Grange Church of God, PO Box 218, La Grange, NC 28551, or La Grange Public Library, 119 E. Washington Street, La Grange, NC 28551. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.