Joan Smith began life's journey on March 24, 1936, in Dewitt, Arkansas. She was the last of five children to Tommy and Mable Smith. Later, the family moved to Hunter, where Joan received early education. She attended high school in the nearby community of Brinkley.
When studies came to an end, Joan became the wife of Joe Cruthis. They shared in the births of two sons, Dennis, and Tony. Joan took great pride in her roles as a wife, homemaker, and mother. She was skilled with a needle and thread and enjoyed quilting and crocheting. Sadly, the family would experience the loss of Dennis on May 12, 1976, at the age of 20.
Joan worked outside of the home at places that included Jack Winters Factory, in Marianna, Van Heusen Shirt Factory and Elmers Dairy Bar, both in Brinkley. She later secured a position at the truck stop in Palestine where she met Norman Camp who was a truck driver at that time. Their friendship led to marriage in the fall of 1981. After a short time in Memphis, they moved to Oklahoma. Joan and Norma became co-owners in the business of raising black angus and beef master cattle. Along with this they also raised and showed long eared goats. Joan not only helped with the business; she worked in foster care from 1983 – 1993. Norman passed away in 1993 and Joan remained in Oklahoma for seven years before moving back to Hunter in 2010.
Beginning in childhood, Joan attended the Church Of The First Born in Hunter. On September 1, 2023, Joan passed away at the age of 87. She was preceded in death by her parents, Tommy, and Mable (Breed) Smith, husbands, Joe Cruthis and Norman Camp, son Dennis Cruthis, brother, Tommy "Buddy" Smith and sisters, Ramona Doyle, Kathleen Junior, and Lorin Ervin. She is survived by her son, Tony Cruthis and two grandchildren, Dustin, and Brittney Cruthis.