Joanna Sparks Smith, 54, of Willis passed away peacefully surrounded by her family Sunday, Sep. 10 at her home. She fought her battle with cancer with grace as she did everything else in her life. Her smile brightened every day. She was born September 25, 1968 in San Antonio to John Richard Sparks and Julia Ann (Judy) Carter Sparks. She was a graduate of West Sabine High School as a member of the class of 1987. After high school, she attended Stephen F. Austin University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and went on to work at the firm of Melms & Schubert in that capacity.

A native of Pineland, Texas, she and her husband, Paul, had been residents of Willis for the past 31 years where they attended West Conroe Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Bible Study Fellowship that she cherished and that brought her so much peace.

Joanna and Paul were high school sweethearts and married after college in 1992. They welcomed their son, Landon, in November 2003. Landon was the light of her life. Her greatest joy came from time with her son, husband, and family. She loved spending time with her nieces and nephews and enjoyed every day she was given.

She is survived by her husband of 31 years, Paul Smith of Willis; son, Landon Carter Smith of College Station; her mother, Judy Sparks of Hemphill; sister, Jennifer Morgan and husband, Billy, of Diboll; parents-in-law, Juanita and Tommy Smith of Pineland; sister-in-law, Aimee Smith of Anacoco, Louisiana; nieces, Paige Morgan and Peyton Morgan of Conroe; and nephews, Lance Johnson of Bronson; and Taylor Johnson of Baton Rouge; Aunt, Cornelia Lockey of San Augustine; cousins, Lisa Lockey Gates and husband, Steve of Troup and Eddie Lockey II of San Augustine.

She was preceded in death by her father, John Richard Sparks; maternal grandparents, Ruth and Earl Carter and paternal grandparents, Gertha and Beeman Sparks; niece, Jessica Burgess; and cousin, Leslie Lockey.

Visitation was held from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 12 at Starr Funeral Home, 510 Starr Street, Hemphill.

Funeral services begn at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 13 at First Baptist Life Center, Pineland under the direction of Starr Funeral Home with Brother Ron Herring officiating.

Burial followed services in Dunnigan Cemetery, Patroon with Taylor Johnson, Lance Johnson, Billy Morgan, Mark Mc-Donald, Scott Morris and Jeffrey Morris serving as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, it is the family’s request that donations instead be made in Joanna’s name to First Baptist Church, P. O. Box 216, Pineland, Texas 75968 or Dunnigan Cemetery Fund, 1936 FM 2261, Shelbyville, Texas 75973.