Obituary of Jo Beth Smith

Funeral services for Josie Elizabeth “Jo Beth” Smith, 90, of Griffin community near Troup, will be held 2:00 pm Sunday, September 9, 2018 at First Baptist Church, Troup with Reverend Joe Ballard officiating. Burial will be in the Griffin Cemetery near Troup. Arrangements are under the direction of Cottle Funeral Home, Troup.

     Jo Beth passed away September 5, 2018 in Griffin Community near Troup. She was born November 3, 1927 in Cherokee County, Texas to the late Jesse Whitesides and Nora Lusk Whitesides.

      Jo Beth was a lifetime resident of the Griffin community and a member of First Baptist Church, Troup.   She worked for the Troup Dress Factory and Troup Independent School District. She loved to cook and collect tea pots. She married Boyce Smith July 22, 1947 in the Blackjack community. She enjoyed her family and going different places visiting. She was faithful to her church and she loved her God.

      She is preceded in death by her husband, Boyce Smith, her parents and brother, Wayne Whitesides.

     Survivors include a son, Rial Smith of Troup; two daughters and a son-in-law, Rita J. Megason of Tyler, Rhonda and Chester Pond of Troup;5 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Special Friends Virginia McKnight and Stephanie McKnight; nieces, Teresa Gaunt, Sue Craver and Sharon Kay Allen and nephew Larry Whitesides.

     The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm, Saturday, September 8.

     Memorials if desired may be made to First Baptist Church, Troup or Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, TX 75703.