JoAnn (Smith-Vaniz) Phillips

JoAnn Smith-Vaniz Phillips, of Canton, MS was born December 23, 1943 and passed away January 5, 2023 at the age of 79. She was the first of four children born to Joseph and Lucille Smith-Vaniz. 

JoAnn was married to the love of her life, Gene, for 60 years. Whether it was working at their store, The Cricket Box, or tending their beautiful flower garden, they were rarely ever without each other. Affectionately known as Nana to her grandchildren, she would do anything for her family. She loved spending time with them, especially at “The Farm” in Sharon.

JoAnn was known for her infectious laugh and speaking whatever was on her mind. She cherished her high school and hometown friends, speaking of them often. She was blessed with the gift of creativity and always tackled every project to its fullest.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Watson Smith-Vaniz and Lucille Ledbetter Smith-Vaniz and her brothers, Sam Palmer Smith-Vaniz and Tommy Smith-Vaniz.

She is survived by her husband, Gene Phillips; her son, Steve Phillips, his wife Angela, and their four children - Mitch Phillips, Madeline Phillips, Abigayle Phillips, and Meagan Teston (Jeremy); her son, Joe Phillips, his wife Vickie and their five children - Riley Phillips (Kacey), Laine Polles (Carter), Maggie Phillips, Gray Phillips, and Molly Phillips; and her daughter, Kathy Wall, her husband Doug, and their three children - Mesha Wall, Garner Wall, and Lucy Wall; her great-grandchildren, Monroe and Presley Phillips; her brother, Larry Smith-Vaniz (Jan); her sisters-in-law, Bridget Smith-Vaniz and Teresa Smith-Vaniz; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will Sunday, January 8, 2023 from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm at  Breeland Funeral Home, and again on Monday, January 9, 2023 from  10:00 am until the 11:00 am Funeral Service.

The family requests donations be made to The Alzheimer's Association (act.alz.org).

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of JoAnn (Smith-Vaniz) Phillips, please visit our floral store.