Joann L. Dockery

CELEBRATION OF LIFE for JOANN L.DOCKERY

Joann Luevinia Dockery affectionately known as “Shug” given to her by 2 of extended
family members, as a term of endearment. Joann was born to Luevenia Smith and George
Smith on June 3, 1955. She completed her education in the Philadelphia School District
system, Audenreid High School to be exact. She was born Christian and found faith and
guidance from an early age and she was very spiritual. Before her transition of life she joined
Cavalry Baptist Church, becoming a member but shortly after she was only able to attend
online, which she did every Sunday faithfully. Joann worked for several years in retail, food
services and housekeeping. She even started her own cleaning/housekeeping business
working for herself for a spell and employed her daughter Debbie often working for doctors,
lawyers, and other big executives in Center City. She worked hard to take care of her children.
Even wearing holes in her shoes to work just to keep them in nice apparel from head to toe.
She often talked about returning to work to complete her credits, but God had other plans.
Joann was preceded in death by her Mother & Father, Luevinia and George Smith, brothers
Curtis Smith and Derrick Giles, grandson Jakkar Wallace, and niece Rae Smith. Joanne loved
to travel and enjoyed good music, live or on the radio, she was always ready to get on the
dance floor by herself, often bringing the crowd out of their seats from spectators to party
starters. She could be referred to as a jack of many trades she cooked, cleaned, made dolls
with her hands, knew how to reupholster furniture, crochet and even styling hair.
She spent a few years in Altoona with her loving sibling, Troy Smith who was her neighbor and
superintendent. That was just one stop in her many travels. She wasn’t afraid to go anywhere
if she had her grands in tow, she always had company and someone to cook for. Her career
took her to many locations, and she enjoyed working and meeting new people. She honestly,
never met a stranger. She would take over many of her children’s friends and partners claiming
them as hers to forever remain family. Joann was an awesome Grandmother and would spoil
all her grandchildren within her limits and sometimes beyond just to make them happy. Joann
loved to cook and to feed nearly anyone whose mouth was open. She really enjoyed eating
good food too. Two of her favorite dishes were crabs and oxtails. On any given day or time,
you could find her indulging in either, if you were down so, was she. She made one of the best
seafood salads hands could prepare yet, she never indulged, and she could make it to
perfection in her sleep. Once she forgot an ingredient and it still didn’t miss a beat. Her sweet
potato pies belong in stores, right on top of Patty’s. I recall her proclaiming “my pies taste better
than that!” and she was absolutely right! Hands down her turkey wings and homemade
cornbread stuffing were just two more of her many specialties. Joann loved company whether
it was her children, extended family, friends, or grands, she would feed and entertain you, just to
stay a little longer to spend some time with her. Joann was very family oriented and always
tried to bring her children and family together in whatever she did. She loved a good party with
good music, live or request and she have a few favorites that will always remind us of her. This
may surprise you, but when she heard 50cents “Candy Shop” she instantly fell in love with it, it
may have been the young toddler version she originally heard singing it. She’d request it to be
played whenever and wherever she was out, I’m pretty sure Jimere had a big part in that.

Many in attendance today were likely adopted as one of her daughters or sons as well. You
know who you are and were to her. She leaves to mourn many to include her husband Leonard
Dockery Sr. siblings, Yolanda, and Troy Smith. The eldest, daughter Tracie Madison, Onliest
son Leonard Dockery and baby girl Deborah Dockery. Second generation Jimere (1+2*), Zier,
Lil Deb aka Ma-mom & Zimere. Grandchildren Koran (3), Sterling aka JJ (2), Jermain (1) and
grand-daughters Jackee (4+1) and Jayla +3 expected stork visits this year! 3 Godchildren and
a host of great grandchildren cousins, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends that will all
miss and cherish her memory in our hearts as she would want us all to do.