Johni Yvonne Saxer Smith, 98, passed away Tuesday February 21, 2023, at her home in Houston.  There will be a graveside service on Tuesday, February 28, at 11:30 am for family and close friends at Earthman Resthaven Cemetery.

Johni was the youngest child born to John and Ada Saxer on November 20, 1924, in Cleburne, Texas.  She spent her early life in Houston, graduating from Reagan High School in 1941.  She then attended Southern California Bible College in Los Angeles where she earned a Degree in Christian Education in 1945.  Shortly after, she returned to Houston and began a career in accounting and tax preparation.

From a young age, Johni was active in the Evangelistic Temple.  Upon returning to Houston, her faith and her love of music brought her back to the Temple.  It was here where Johni and her two best friends formed a singing trio which was frequently featured on KPRC radio.  The Evangelistic Temple also brought Johni and W.O.W. "Bill" Smith, Jr. together, where they were married on February 8, 1956.  A few years later they moved to the family cattle ranch in Hockley where they raised their two daughters.

Johni and Bill enjoyed 29 years together until Bill's death in 1985, and she would often tell others that she never found a man who could love her as much as Bill.  After Bill's death, Johni returned to Houston and to her previous career of accounting and tax preparation.  She quickly passed the exams to become an Enrolled Agent representing tax clients for the IRS and Tomball Taxes Etc was opened in 1991.  Everyone quickly discovered how undeniably kind, generous, faithful, and loving Johni was.  She was always willing to share her in-depth knowledge and understanding of the tax code and was a reliable resource for countless colleagues.  Closer to home, people who walked through her door knew that they could share with her anything financial or personal and she would listen and remember.  Many saw her as a mother or grandmother figure, always there to hold their hand, listen to their joys and sorrows, offer little bits of advice … but mostly just listen and comfort.   She would say, "Everything is going to be fine" and you knew that she would do her best to ensure that it was.  She took great joy in her role as mother and grandmother: ever patient, honest and calm, providing a steadfast foundation for each generation.  Her family and loved ones knew that her love was unconditional and her expectations were high. Johni retired from the practice in early 2020, but it wouldn't surprise anyone to hear that she's now preparing tax returns in heaven.

Johni is survived by her daughters, Joan Smith Martinez and Diane Smith; grandson Zachry Martinez, granddaughter Katrina Martinez and youngest grandson Alec Martinez.