Jo Ann Smith was born on July 16, 1957 in Baltimore City. She departed from this life on January 4, 2021. Jo Ann was the youngest of 8 children born to Harry and Bertha Smith. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Myra Chase, and her Grandson, Maalik Chase. She is survived by her daughter Melannie Skinner.

Jo Ann received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System and later obtained her GED in 1998.

Those who knew Jo Ann was also affectionately known as "Nana, EC, Jo or Momma Jo". She worked for the Department of Transportation as a Crossing Guard in Cherry Hill for nearly 38 years. She also worked at New Vision as House Manager for several years. Jo Ann was all about family. She raised her two daughters and her two granddaughters along with taking care of her aging parents before they passed. She was kind and always had you laughing, many respected her. It is true she was one who spoke her mind and "kept it real", and she was a hard worker, fiercely independent, strong and determined. She truly had a heart of gold, in that, she would do what she could to help you. Jo Ann also was a loyal Baltimore Ravens and New York Yankees fan. She loved to listen and dance to her "jams" as she would say and she loved her Pepsi and chips.

The family members and others always spoke with Jo Ann (EC) about Jehovah and his Kingdom. In her heart she knew it was the truth and this had moved her to study the Bible and attend the meetings, assemblies, and conventions as often as she could. If she had a question about anything from the Bible, we provided her with an answer. Many times, she let others know what she had learned about Jehovah God and his purposes.

Jo Ann leaves to mourn and cherish her memory, her daughter Melannie and grandchildren: Nayaree Webster, Sakina Lytle, Maaliyah and Jordan Skinner, great-grandchildren: Dontae Lytle, Nakeem Dangerfield, and Nahri Dangerfield. Sisters: Margaret Lewis, Barbara Queen, Yvonne Thompson, and Patricia McDowell. Brothers: Harry Smith and Stephen Smith. Sister-in-laws: Belinda Smith, Olivia Smith. Brother-in-laws: James Queen and Douglas McDowell. Son-in-law: Harold Skinner, Jr. Nephew: Byron Royster (Adora Royster). Nieces: Wendy Jackson (Reginald Jackson), Karisa Crawley (Spencer Crawley), Nicole Whittaker (Malcolm Whittaker), Lenora Thompson, Latrina Thompson, Laurice Thompson, and Ikeishala Smith. Great Nieces: Janeise Jackson, Morgan Whittaker, JaLee Swann, leona Robinson, Reona Robinson, Sophia Crawley, Mikennzie Royster, and Brooke Royster. Great Nephews: Justin Thompson, Marcus Whittaker, Ronald Robinson, Prince Boyd, Keon Robinson, and Dylan Brockington. Best friends: Denise Lorick and Sheila Jackson and a host of other Family, friends, and co-workers.