Jo Ann Smith Forrester, age 62 of Demorest, passed away Friday, February 10, 2017. Born in Habersham County on June 18, 1954, she was a daughter of the late John Ferd Smith and Lois Colston Smith. Mrs. Forrester recently retired from the Georgia DNR as a secretary and was a member of New Hope Baptist Church. In her spare time she enjoyed time with her family, especially her grandchildren, traveling, reading, and cooking. In addition to his parents, Mrs. Forrester was preceded in death by her husband, Ricky Forrester. Surviving are son and daughter-in-law, John & Elsa Forrester of Cornelia; daughter and son-in-law, Amanda & Reid Hopper of Baldwin; grandchildren, Melanie, Will, Amber, Haley, Hanna, Camila, Jova, Leslie, and Axel. Funeral services are 2:00 pm Monday, February 13, 2017, at New Hope Baptist Church with Rev. Chris York and Rev. Wesley Purcell officiating. A private interment will be held. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2-4 & 6-8 pm on Sunday. An online guest register is available and may be viewed at www.mcgaheegriffinandstewart.com. McGahee-Griffin & Stewart Funeral Home (706-778-8668) of Cornelia is in charge of arrangements.