Jo Anne "Gigi" Smothers

Jo Anne “Gigi” Smothers, entered into heaven on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the age of 87. She was surrounded by her family and loved ones in Tulsa, OK. Jo Anne was born on November 23, 1927 in San Antonio, TX, daughter of Myron G. Reed and Gertrude Reed. She graduated from St. Mary’s Hall in San Antonio, TX with the class of 1947. Jo Anne was a devoted mother to her children. She raised them to love God, love people, and love country music. As the lead singer of the Bubba Litrell Band, Jo Anne, performed with the likes of country greats including Tammy Wynette, Ronnie Milsap, and Dolly Parton. She was the booking agent and publicist for Alamo Productions bringing talent like Elvis Presley to San Antonio. Jo Anne was an amazing storyteller, and she had stories galore. But her favorite tales were about Jesus. After a providential encounter with some Christ-loving country music fans, Jo Anne came to know Jesus as her Lord, Savior, and Friend. She took her commitment to Christ so seriously that when she found out Jesus was going to return on horseback, she signed up for riding lessons. Jo Anne married the love of her life, Raymond Smothers. They were joined in marriage on October 7, 1976 in San Antonio. Together they pastored at New Testament Church and then later lead a thriving singles ministry at New Covenant Fellowship from 1982 to 1989. They also ministered with the Full Gospel Businessman’s Convention and Women’s Aglow. Jo Anne and her husband, Raymond, loved praise and worship music, and they used their talents to bring joy, faith, and healing to countless people in churches, hospitals, and nursing homes. After moving to Tulsa, the couple attended Victory Christian Center before becoming members of the worship team at Praise and Worship Church where Ray and Kim Mills are pastors. Jo Anne was preceded in death by her son, Timothy Wells, her daughter, Samantha Wells, and her grandson, Shane Wells. She is survived by her husband, Raymond Smothers, of Tulsa; her brother, Glenn Reed, of San Antonio, TX; four sons, Michael Wells and Diana of San Antonio; Patrick Wells and his wife, Ronnie, of Rockwall, TX; Christopher Wells, and Gregory Wells of Grove, OK; two daughters, Amy Wells of San Antonio, and Melissa Lee and her husband, Gary, of Tulsa; ten beloved grandchildren; and a host of relatives and dear friends. A memorial service will be held for Jo Anne “Gigi” Smothers at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 7, 2015, at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 3612 E. 91st Street South, Tulsa, OK 74137. Donations may be made in Gigi’s honor to Kids Against Hunger Global (www.kidsagainsthungerglobal.org). Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500

Jo Anne "Gigi" Smothers

November 23, 1927 - February 28, 2015