Josephine "Jo"

Smith

Josephine “Jo” Ellis Smith, age 85, passed away suddenly at Bacon County Hospital November 10, 2026, after a short illness. She was born in Bacon County September 20, 1941, to the late Arvin Joshua Ellis and Lessie Rigdon Ellis. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Joshua Calvin Ellis and her sister, Barbara Ann Scott.

She was a retired cosmetologist after many years of service. She was a long-time member of Wolf Pit Church.

She is survived by her husband of 42 years, Charlie Smith; son, Rev. Jimmy Cothren (Dianne) of Bartow, GA; stepsons, Freddie Smith (Theresa) of Cartersville, GA, Fulton Smith (Cathy) of Cartersville and Robert Smith of Alabama; brothers, Ronnie Ellis (Marilyn), W.C. Ellis (Eulene), both of Alma, Eddie Ellis (Sharon) of Baxley, and Wendell Ellis of Metter, GA; sisters, Sherry Griffin and Lynette Yearty of Alma; grandchildren, Alexis Collins, Kristi Lanford, Kaci Ward, and J.J. Cothren; and special granddaughter, Charity Sellers.

Funeral services will be held Friday November 13, 2026, at 11 AM at Wolf Pit Church with Rev. T.F. Yawn, Rev. Randy Cox, and Rev. Austin Medders officiating. Interment will follow at the church cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the church from 10 AM until service time.

Active pallbearers include J.J. Cothren, Brantley Morris, Taylor Sellers, Dusty Morris, Peyton Daniels, and David Lee. Honorary pallbearers include the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class at Wolf Pit and all others in attendance.