Joetta Lou Smith

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Joetta Lou Smith, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2026, at the age of 91, surrounded by her loving family. Born on April 20, 1935, in Lashmeet, West Virginia, Joetta was the daughter of Paul and Ellen Sneed. She graduated from Matoaka High School before attending Concord College in Athens, West Virginia. In 1956, she married Bernard Smith, and together they welcomed their son Terence. She and Bernard divorced in 1960 and she subsequently resided in Chicago, IL and Columbus, OH for many years before settling in Annapolis, MD in 1990. She was married to John Holt in 2004 and divorced in 2018. Throughout her life, Joetta was a remarkable entrepreneur with an unwavering work ethic. She worked for many years as an office manager at Peat Marwick Mitchell Accounting Firm in Chicago and Fraternity Sportswear in Columbus before becoming a realtor for HER Realty in Columbus. After settling in Annapolis, Maryland, she started and ran a medical billing business for several years before opening and operating two successful bed-and-breakfasts. She retired in 2019. Joetta lived life with unapologetic enthusiasm and style. She was an avid ballroom dancer, a multi-genre pianist, and a passionate collector of antique furniture. She was known for her glamorous sense of style, infectious energy, and ability to make lasting friendships wherever she went. Over her life, she was a dog mother to Patsy, Prince, Adam, Tiger, and Casper. She loved her family and leaves behind countless cherished memories as a devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She also made history as the first female member of the Annapolis Yacht Club and was an active member of the Anne Arundel County Chamber of Commerce. Joetta is survived by her son, Terence Smith; her granddaughter, Kennedy Smith; and her brothers, Rodney and Lonnie Sneed. She was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Ellen Sneed; and her brothers, Nicholas and David Sneed. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joetta’s life on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton, West Virginia with Elder Keith Mills, officiating. A viewing will be held at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:30 a.m. Burial will follow at 1:00 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park. Serving as pallbearers will be MarkAllen Yost, Nicholas Yost, Kevin Mills, Thayne Harmon, J.J. Childers and Steve Baker. Joetta’s warmth, generosity, and independent spirit touched everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.bailey-kirk.com.

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Joetta Lou Smith

April 20, 1935 - July 30, 2026