Obituary for Mrs. Jo Smith

MRS. JOSEPHINE “JO” PARKERSON SMITH, age 93, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, January 26, 2026, at her residence in Eastman, GA.

 Funeral services will be held Thursday, January 29, 2026, at 2:00PM, in Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church, with Rev. Emory Howell and Chaplin Roger Holley officiating, with interment in Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery.

 Mrs. Jo was born in Dodge County on August 29, 1932, to the late Kate Glisson Parkerson and James E. Parkerson. She was a lifelong resident of Eastman, a 1949 graduate of Eastman High School, and married Hollis Smith, the love of her life, on May 28, 1949. She was a homemaker and raised her 2 children, Burdette and Wayne, who brought her so much joy. She was a devoted wife and a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jo was a lady with many special talents. She was an excellent seamstress, cook, and artist who also enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers. After raising her children, she worked for many years for the Dodge County Child Support Services and later dedicated her time by volunteering as a hairdresser at Heart of Georgia Nursing Home. She was a member of Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church, a devout Christian lady who loved her church dearly and faithfully served in many capacities, as children’s Sunday School teacher and as a church worker. She was affectionately known as “Mama Jo” to her family and friends. Jo was preceded in death by her parents, Husband of 70 years, Hollis M. Smith, and Sister, Sara Parkerson Williams.

 She is survived by her Daughter – Burdette S. Wheeler (Jimmy) of Waverly, GA; Son – Dr. Wayne Smith (Mandy) of Eastman; Grandchildren – Holly White (Kevin) of Waverly, GA, Kelli Beverly (Corey) of Kingsland, GA, Brent Wheeler (Katie) of Bishop, GA, Jonathan Smith (Megan) of Madison, GA, and Jennifer S. Wells (Chayne) of Anderson, SC; Great-Grandchildren – Addie White, Cole White, Jolie White, Lilli Beverly, Stanton Beverly, Liam Beverly, Aurie Wheeler, Will Wheeler, Grayson Smith, Annaleigh Smith, Ansley Wells, and Chandler Wells; Sister-in-law – Wynell Smith of Eastman, GA; Brother-in-law - Gerald Smith of Eastman, GA; Several Nieces and Nephews.

 The family will receive friends in Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church on Thursday, January 29, 2026, from 1:00PM – 2:00PM before the service. In addition to flowers, the family requests contributions to Gideons International Bible Fund or Bay Springs Freewill Baptist Church, 1302 Bay Springs Church Rd., Eastman, GA 31023.