In loving memory of

Joanne Smith Gilroy
August 23, 1940 - June 19, 2020

Joanne Smith Gilroy of Knoxville passed away on Friday, June 19, 2020. She was a devoted wife, mother, and friend, and was loved dearly by all who knew her. She is survived by her husband Ken Gilroy; daughter Liz Berg (Scott); son Paul Brown (Cheryl); son Kenny Gilroy; daughter Candace Copeland; daughter-in-law Kay Brown; brother Terry Smith; grandchildren Paul M. Brown (Lisa), Andrew Brown, and Jessica Berg; and great-grandchildren Mason Berg and Kennedy Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents James R. "Sam" Smith, Sr. and Ruth Cook Smith; son Jack Brown; grandson Jason Berg; and brothers Bill Smith and James R. Smith, Jr. Joanne chose to be cremated with no memorial service. She believed in being kind to little creatures and wanted to be remembered for living, laughing, and loving every day to the fullest. Gentry Griffey Funeral Chapel is honored to serve the Gilroy family and invites you to view and sign the online registry.

Tributes

Doug Brown wrote on Jun 30, 2020:

"Joanne was the Mother of my nephews Paul and Jack and niece Liz. Joyce and I are so sorry for your loss. Uncle Doug and Aunt Joyce"

Tonya Turner wrote on Jun 27, 2020:

"Ken, I am so sorry for your loss my friend. I felt like I knew Joanne through you as you always loved and respected her so much. Even in grief, Keep Up The Good Work. Much love, Tonya Turner"

Deborah Trent wrote on Jun 24, 2020:

"Joanne was one of my favorites to work with. I always loved it when she came to work. She had a beautiful smile and so upbeat all the time. I will miss her dearly. Prayers for all her family. Debbie Trent "

Chris Mynatt wrote on Jun 24, 2020:

"Joanne was one of the most positive, upbeat people that I have ever had the pleasure to work with. She will certainly be missed. Chris Mynatt "

Beverly Sayne wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"I worked with Joann when I started at Target West. She was without one of the kindest people that I was blessed to work with. She was always kind and loved. May she Rest In Peace and prayers for your family ?"

JJ. Erlbacher wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"What a great Lady. Always positive with a winning smile. She cared not only about he job but more importantly she cared about each person as a person. We are all Blessed just to know her. She made you want to be a better person. JJ. Erlbacher"

Susan Mills wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"I am so sorry to hear this. Joanne was the sweetest person. Keeping you family Ana n my prayers. "

Anthony Estepp wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"Kenny, I was saddened to hear of the passing of your precious mother. Know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Anthony Estepp White Pine Tennessee "

Charmain Vik wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. I ask that the Lord gives your family all that you need in this time of having to say goodbye to Joanne."

Carrie Mayer wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"Joanne was always a wonderful person. I worked with her at Target many years ago and she was always fair and friendly. Someone you could talk to if you needed to. She will be missed by many. ?"

Tammy Loveday wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"Joanne was the Hr at the Target I worked at. She only saw the best in people. I have many great memories of her there. I am saddened that she is gone. My condolences to her family and friends. "

Jennifer Merryman wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"Joanne and I worked at Target together for years. She was the best HR manager, I was her clerical and there was nothing that Joanne wouldn't do for me or our team. Anytime I had a problem she was right there to help. I loved her passion for people and animals and her willingness to help others. I will forever miss you Joanne, you loved me and my family like we were your own. Rest in peace sweet lady, love you always! Jennifer "

maria ayala wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"REP my Friend Joanne...?Maria (Walgreens)"

Carolyn Stormer wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"RIP Joanne, you will be missed........Carolyn Stormer {Krogers}"

Stacy Lich wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"The best Aunt very!! "

Eric Michael Lich wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"You will be missed by many. You were a wonderful person. When you see Papaw give him a big hug for me and tell him I love and miss him. Love Always Eric"

Jan Coley wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"I only know Joanne from the dry cleaners but she was absolutely one of the most kind and gentle people I?ve ever known in my life. She was always so positive and she will truly be missed. You have my greatest sympathy. Jan Coley "

George and Joyce Sanders wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"We first met Joanne at the cleaners when it was at the "Old" location. She was always so nice and polite and remembered our names from the first time she met us. She was always smiling and in such a pleasant mood. She made our lives better each time we saw her. She was truly a blessing to all! George and Joyce Sanders "

Burt Rosen wrote on Jun 23, 2020:

"I has the pleasure and joy of knowing Joanne through my interactions with her at the service desk at the dry cleaners. Alway so kind, warm, and friendly. Try as I might to have her call me by my first name, I was always ?Mr. Rosen?. I loved chatting with her about family members, etc. Joanne always had a smile and blessed me in so many ways. To her husband and family members, may God comfort you. Burt Rosen"