Jo Anne Smiley sees challenges not as setbacks, but as chances to make meaningful change through dedication and hard work.
The longtime mayor of Clarksville was recently awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Award, the highest national honor for volunteerism. Fewer than five individuals in Missouri have received this lifetime achievement.
“You have served as a model of the American spirit,” former President Donald Trump wrote in a congratulatory letter. “Your many hours of service have strengthened the bonds of cooperation and trust that bring people together, while helping to address some of the greatest challenges of our time.”
Trump emphasized the nation’s strength in the compassion of everyday citizens like Smiley, who give generously for the greater good. “With your continued efforts to build on our Nation’s culture of service, America will proudly remain a land of freedom and opportunity for all,” he added. “Thank you for your enduring commitment to serving your community and our Nation. I trust that you will continue to work for the betterment of others and an even stronger future for the American people.”
The award ceremony took place Sept. 21 at Clarksville’s American Legion Post 349 and was attended by more than 65 guests, including State Rep. Jim Hansen of Frankford.
“She’s a dedicated person giving her time to help her community and others,” said Hansen. “She’s an example to all of us.”
Smiley was nominated by Kathy Fleming of Forward Focus, a certifying organization for the award. Fleming has known Smiley for a year. Recipients must complete at least 4,000 hours of volunteer service to be eligible.
“Jo Anne is an angel among us whose faith in God leads her to make a difference with her life,” Fleming said.
Fleming had arranged a special phone call from Scott Bush, nephew of former President George H.W. Bush, who founded the Points of Light, a volunteer organization. Bush praised Smiley’s work as the embodiment of what the organization hoped to achieve when it was founded in 1988.
City Clerk Jennifer Calvin, who has worked with Smiley for a decade, noted the mayor’s commitment to the town and admires her for her dedication, as she spends almost every day at City Hall.
“She’s there more than she’s at home,” said Calvin.
Grateful and in typical self-effacing fashion, Smiley described the award as “overwhelming” and “a gift never to be matched,” using the ceremony to thank the residents of Clarksville for their support.
“Moments like this just do not happen,” she said. “It takes time, it takes effort, it takes people.”
Now in her 15th year of public service—two as an alderman and 13 as mayor—Smiley has faced significant personal and professional trials. Clarksville, a 201-year-old town on the Mississippi River, has endured its share of hardship in recent decades.
Four of the town’s six worst floods occurred after 2001. In 2008, its biggest employer, a cement plant, shut down and laid off 181 workers. Once a thriving community for artisans, it has dwindled to just a handful of shops in recent years.
Despite this, there are positive developments.
A new U.S. Highway 54 bridge is being built in Louisiana to the north, while older bridges along Missouri Highway 79 are being replaced to the south. These improvements are expected to boost tourism during events like Eagle Days, 50 Miles of Art, summer festivals, and Applefest in October.
Smiley also continues her music ministry at Clarksville United Methodist Church and is a regular at community events. One near and dear to heart is Santaland, a holiday display featuring over 300 Santa Clauses, at least 250 snowmen, and more than 40 decorated trees from her collection, that draws hundreds of visitors.
Smiley has been a vocal advocate for fair flood protection measures. She was involved in opposing Plan H, a proposed policy that critics feared would cause severe damage to Clarksville and other river communities. That advocacy continues today.
The current goal is to secure funding for a temporary flood wall to protect the riverfront. Smiley is also a member of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI), a coalition of 124 mayors focused on flooding and other issues.
Rep. Jim Hansen, with a touch of humor, remarked that Smiley has “spent more time on the river than Mark Twain,” and reaffirmed his support for flood protection funding. “We’re still dreaming to try to do something to save Clarksville. We’ll fight another battle. I’m with you and I’m with her on trying to get this done. One thing about us, we dream big.”
The ceremony included a poignant moment as Smiley recalled her late husband Wayne, who passed away in 2016. The couple had been married for 42 years.
“The only way today would be better is if he was standing by my side,” she said.
Smiley attributes her determination to her upbringing on a farm, but paused when asked what truly keeps her going.
Perhaps the answer is best described by a simple sign once placed near sandbags during a flood: KCCO – Keep Calm and Carry On.
“Every accomplishment for the community springs you forward,” she said. “Every pothole you get filled gives you the impetus to go fill the next one.”
Several local officials joined in honoring Smiley. Eastern District Pike County Commissioner Justin Sheppard said, “[She] exemplifies what we should all be to our community. She gives so much of herself to her community and the fruits of her actions are evident. I couldn’t think of anyone else who would deserve this award more than Mayor Smiley.”
Louisiana Mayor Marvin Brown echoed that praise. “In the short time I’ve been Mayor of Louisiana I’ve gotten to know and really appreciate JoAnn. She is a tireless advocate for her city and at the same time she has been great about reaching out and asking how our two cities can cooperate for everyone’s good. I hope I get to work with her for a long time yet.”