Joan Elaine (Kiefer) Zenteno

Joan Elaine Kiefer Zenteno of Smyrna, GA passed away Tuesday January 9, 2024, at the age of 79. Joan was born to Adam and Virginia Kiefer in the Cleveland area and grew up in Beaver, Pennsylvania. After graduating from the University of Mount Union in Ohio she joined the Peace Corps and was assigned to work in Bolivia where she met the love of her life, her late husband Dr. Edgar Zenteno. They married and eventually settled in Puerto Rico, where she worked as an elementary school teacher. Later, after earning her master’s degree in teaching English to non-native speakers, she became an English professor at the University of Puerto Rico.

Joan moved to Smyrna in 2006 and began an active life of service in her retirement. She loved giving back to her community and enjoyed helping people.  Her ready smile and cheerful disposition made her welcome in any circle. She volunteered frequently with Smyrna First United Methodist Church, where she also sang in the choir. She also enjoyed volunteering at MUST Ministries where she served as a translator for Spanish speakers who needed help with job searches, food pantry items and secondhand clothing. She was also an animal lover and enjoyed the spending time with her senior rescue dogs.

Joan is survived by two daughters, Sylvia Zenteno-Booker (Timm) and Vivian Morrison (Greg). A service will be held Thursday January 18 at 1PM at Smyrna First United Methodist Church, 1315 Concord Road in Smyrna. Joan loved flowers so they are appreciated, or donations can be made to MUST Ministries, 460 Pat Mell Road, Smyrna GA 30080 or at mustministries.org.