Jo Anne Watts Smith, 85, of Etowah, TN passed away peacefully Thursday, February 5th, 2015 in Nashville, TN with family by her side.

Born and raised in Etowah, Jo was the daughter of the late Relice and Jewell Watts and daughter in law of Hub and Minney Smith.

Jo obtained her BA from Florida Southern College in Lakeland FL. After graduating, she worked for TVA in Chattanooga prior to her marriage in 1955. Jo had a lifelong love of art and design and supported many community projects with her architectural background. In 1965, the Hitching Post Restaurant was opened which Jo designed and operated for 35 years. She loved and befriended all who worked and patronized the restaurant over the years.

Jo was passionate about her church St. Paul's United Methodist and was a great support to those in need. She was an avid crusader for the local Etowah community and participated in many projects thru the years. She loved taking drives in the local mountains, picking wildflowers and enjoying all the beautiful nature surrounding Etowah.

She leaves behind her former husband and friend Charles Smith and two daughters Karen Levitt (husband Ian), Deanna Closson (husband Mike); two grandsons Josh and Ben and many nieces, nephews and close friends.

Graveside service will be held at 11:30 a.m., Saturday, February 7, 2015 at Green Hill Cemetery. Family will receive friends at the funeral home from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Saturday prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to her church, St. Paul's United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 581, Etowah, TN 37331.