Marian Joan Smith

Marian Joan (Reed) Smith of Belmar Road, Franklin, PA, passed into Paradise on Sunday, October 20, 2019 at 6:04 PM at the Neuro Trauma ICU of UPMC Hamot Hospital in Erie, PA.

Born April 2, 1926, the daughter of Milton Miller Reed and Dorothy S. Redmond, Joan was the firstborn of seven children. She lived in the Bully Hill area for the majority of her life.

On October 17, 1947, she married Robert Eugene "Gene" Smith. Together they enjoyed forty-four years of marriage prior to his death on March 5, 1992, and had five children.

Joan had a full life including living and being involved in the many operations of a small farm, gardening and canning, being a room mother for each of her children, and was an avid Pittsburgh Pirates fan. Joan enjoyed welcoming people to her home, and in good weather to sit on the swing on her breezeway and listen to her many chimes (each with a story to tell), while she offered a listening ear, unconditional love, and some of her ever-present homemade cookies. Children and church, especially brought bright moments and great rewards to Joan's life.

Immediately following her graduation from Franklin High School in 1945, Joan attended the Pittsburgh School for Babies and became an infant nurse. She cared for the young children of several families in the Pittsburgh and Venango County areas, including the Avery children at Chamor in Seneca.

Attending the East Grove United Methodist Church for over 80 years, Joan was active in the church in many capacities throughout her lifetime. Earlier in her life she was involved in the planning and operation of the Bible Schools and children's programs, and most recently she enjoyed acting as a "Greeter" on Sunday mornings and serving in the many functions of the "Half-Baked Bakers" -- a group of ladies at the church who make pumpkin rolls, cookies, subs and other goodies for sale, and hosted other events designed to raise money for church building projects as well as supporting missions.

Surviving are two sons: Jim (and his wife, Lynn) of Ahrensville, Craig (and friend, Vicky) of Sharpsburg, GA; two daughters: Gloria Garland, of Franklin, and Diana Norman (and her husband, Jon) of Easthampton, MA, and a special nephew, Dale Reed (and his wife, Missy) of Franklin. Another son, Jeff, died in infancy in 1967.

Also surviving are seven grandchildren: Joshua and Jamie Smith of Georgia; Evan Garland (and wife, Karen) of Franklin, Tracee (Rich) George of Akron, Stephen (Emily) Garland, of Pittsburgh, Joni Norman, and Emma Norman of Mass. Also surviving are five great-grandchildren: Benjamin, Elena, Julia and Sophia Garland; Paul and Parker George; and William Garland; along with many nieces and nephews who could always be heard calling for "Aunt Joan!"

Joan is survived by a brother and a sister, both of Franklin: Don Reed (and his wife, Donna), and Jane Allen (and her husband, Bill); a brother-in-law, Ed Smith (and his wife, Connie) of Amelia, OH, and three sisters-in-law, Barbara McNany of Cleveland and Donna Lou Dempsey and Bonnie Reed of Franklin. Also surviving are two special friends and neighbors, Amy Drewnowski and Nancy Vaughan.

In addition to her husband and parents Joan was preceded in death by her special-in-laws, Toot and Cindy Smith, her infant son, three brothers: Bill Reed, Burt Reed and Pete Reed; a sister, Marge Meadows, a brother-in-law, Jim McNany, a son-in-law, Jim Garland; and three infant great-grandsons. Also preceding her in death was a special neighbor and dear friend, Pat Vaughan, with whom she shared many of life's peaks and valleys.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Huff-Guthrie Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Inc., 312 W. Park Street Franklin, PA.

She will be cremated and her remains will be buried beside her husband in Graham Cemetery, where Joan served for many years on the Board of Directors and as Secretary/Treasurer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the East Grove United Methodist Church at 1167 Belmar Road, Franklin, PA on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at 11:00 AM with David A. Bell, Jr., current pastor of the church, along with former pastor and friend, Rev. Lea A. Guiney, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, Joan and her family request that memorial donations be made to East Grove United Methodist Church,1167 Belmar Road, Franklin, PA 16323, or to a charity of one's choice.

Online condolences and flowers can be sent to the family by visiting www.HuffFuneral.com