Joan Smith

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Joan Maples Smith, age 77, of rural Duenweg, MO.,. passed away at 8:00pm. Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025, at the Cox South Hospital in Springfield.

Joan was born September 4th, 1947, near Monett, MO., where she was raised and graduated from Pierce City High School in 1965. She had lived in the Diamond area the last 51 years before moving to Duenweg after marrying her sweet loving Eddie Smith.






Mom worked as a kindergarten aide and worked in social services for over 45 years. She was retired and enjoyed family and friends until her death. Mom loved everyone she met and was a friend to everyone, while always sharing her love of God. She accepted Christ as her Savior in 1965. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Diamond many years before moving on to Duenweg First Baptist. At church enjoyed leading vacation bible school for many years, serving as president of the Women's Missions for many years, along with Church secretary for several years. She enjoyed sharing God’s creation while fishing with her family and reading books.

Joan loved her family very much and enjoyed going on vacations and spending any time with them, always loving and caring for anyone that came by. She was also a very proud Grandma and made sure everyone knew that. Joan married Steve Maples Nov. 26, 1965, in Joplin, MO. Joan married Eddie Smith May 15, 2021, in Duenweg, MO. Eddie survives.

Additional survivors include their son, Jeremy Maples, (Josie) Granddaughter Eve Maples of Riverton KS. Daughter Christy Clark (Bud) Blake, Kyle, Khloe. Daughter Paula Butler (Brian) Jake, Stevie. Son Matt Smith (Stacy) Mandolin, Jonas, Lily, Silas. As well as many great-grandchildren. Brothers and Sisters; Kathryn (Gary), Gene deceased (Marilyn),Pauline (Ron), Paul, Rosemary (Larry).

Services will be on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Duenweg with Rev. C.G. Gilmore officiating. Burial will be in the Jolly Mill Cemetery near Pierce City. The family will receive friends from 5:30pm to 6:30p.m. on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at the Clark Funeral Home in Neosho.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Lottie Moon Missions /or your Missions Fund at Local Church,. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.