Mrs. Joann Bell Smith

Joann Bell Smith was born on October 23, 1971, in Arverne, New York, to Ethel Barber Bell and the late Martin Bell. She departed this earthly life on December 9, 2025.

Joann was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend whose kindness and giving spirit touched everyone blessed to know her. She spent the better part of her life in Greenville, North Carolina, where she built a home filled with love, laughter, and strength. She was a graduate of North Pitt High School and went on to have a
long and dedicated career with Aladdin Taxi #820, where she was admired for her hard work, reliability, and friendly personality. At her longtime residence in Moyewood, she was affectionately known throughout the neighborhood as “Candy Lady Joann.”

Family was the center of Joann’s life. She was the proud and loving mother of four daughters: Seanashia Smith,
Jakia Rogers, Jomya Rogers, and Janae Brown. Her joy multiplied with the arrival of her beloved grandchildren— Vaquon, Elmaze, Josean, Mikel, Hakeem, Talia, Kyro, and Josiah—each of whom she cherished deeply.

Joann was a devoted sister to the late Donnell Barber and the late Leonard (Valerie) Barber, and to Deborah (James) Carter, Diane (Parrish) Everett, and Latrell (Derrick) Anthony. She was also a cherished aunt whose love knew no bounds. Her nieces and nephews found in her a source of guidance, encouragement, and unwavering support. With the same generosity she showed her own children, Joann uplifted all those she loved, leaving a lasting imprint on their lives.
Known for her heart of kindness and giving spirit, Joann always looked out for others. She was quick to lend a helping hand, offer a kind word, or put someone else’s needs before her own. Even while facing declining health, she continued to bless others in every way she could, demonstrating the true depth of her loving and selfless spirit.

Joann also had a playful sense of humor and loved making people laugh. One of her favorite jokes was the way she pronounced her own name turning “Joann” into “Juwan,” which she claimed was French—bringing smiles to everyone around her. Her laughter was contagious, and her joyful presence brightened every room she entered.
Joann Bell Smith will be forever remembered and deeply missed by her mother, daughters, grandchildren, siblings, nieces, nephews, and all who loved her. Her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will continue to live on through the countless lives she touched.

A Viewing will be held on Friday, December 26, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at People's Memorial Chapel, 219 North Bonner Street, Washington, NC 27889.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held  on Saturday, December 27, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Beebe Chapel CME Church 239 Cherry Run Rd. Washington, NC. 

Interment will take place at Pamlico Memorial Garden, Washington, North Carolina

Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be directed to the Smith Family through our website at www.peoplesfuneralest.com, by fax at (252) 940-6889, or via email at peoplesfh219@gmail.com.

We kindly ask that you keep the Smith Family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time of loss.

Services of Love & Compassion have been entrusted to People’s Funeral Establishment of Washington, North Carolina.

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