Joyce Smith

1948 ~ 2022

Date of Death: July 19, 2022

In profound sadness, the staff of Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc. want to express our sincere condolences to the Smith family. Joyce’s earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelations 21:4 says, "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death; nor sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain, for the former things are passed away." Be assured that in the days ahead you will surely gain strength from the memories of Ms. Joyce Smith.

Sincerely,

Derrick Veasley ~ Director

Henry Veasley ~ Director

Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplain

Joyce Marie Smith was born on February 4, 1948, she was the sixth of 11 children born to Learoy Smith and Hazel McDaniel Smith of Morrilton, Arkansas. Joyce transitioned from her earthly life on Tuesday, July 19th, 2022.

Joyce was a devoted member of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She served faithfully as a member of “The Spirit of the Twelfth”, Arkansas Conference and North Little Rock/Ft. Smith District Choirs. Joyce held the Office of Conference Worship Director of the Women’s Missionary Society of the Arkansas Conference until her health failed. She was a member of St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she served as Church School Superintendent, Adult Sunday School Teacher, Financial Secretary, Exhorter and Vice President of the Adult Choir. She also served as the Secretary of the Workers United Retiree Association Southwest Regional Joint Board of the Arkansas Chapter.

Joyce was a graduate of L.W. Sullivan High School and a member of the L.W. Sullivan HS Reunion Committee. Joyce retired from Levi Strauss after 31 years of service. She returned to college and completed her Associates Degree and worked as an Administrative Assistant for Telex Communications, the Area Agency on Aging and the Senior Adult Center in Morrilton. She then retired again and spent her remaining days working effortlessly for the AME Society. She loved and enjoyed Sunday dinners with her family. She embraced life with a one-of-a-kind wit, humor and limited filters. Her hobbies included knitting and sewing for family, reading and watching her beloved “Golden Girls” and “Young & The Restless”. The most wonderful time of the year, for her, was Christmas which she enjoyed cooking and spending with her family.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents: Learoy and Hazel Smith; son: Justin Embry; sisters: Jacquelyn Sue, Jo Etta Perry, and Toby Lee Jennings.

Joyce leaves a legacy of love to her family-daughter: Candis (Sammy Sr.) Clemons, of Plumerville, Arkansas; daughter: Roshina Smith of Conway, Arkansas and son: RaSean Smith of Russellville, Arkansas; her siblings: James (Laverne) Smith of Detroit, Michigan, Mabel Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, Caroline Smith of Dallas, Texas, Connie Smith of Morrilton, Arkansas, Michael Smith of Atlanta, Georgia, Donnie Smith of Little Rock, Arkansas and Veronique (Billy Jo) Evans of Springfield, Arkansas; grandchildren: Jeremy Moncrease, Shanequa Tyus, Sammy Clemons, Jr, Samiah Clemons, Nasheema Clemons, Emmanuel Smith, Raemia Clemons and JeQuan Carter; eleven great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.

Visitation for family and friends will be held Friday, July 29, 2022 from 12:00pm to 1:00pm at St. Paul AME Church, 311 N. Division St., Morrilton, Arkansas.

Celebration of life service will be held Friday, July 29, 2022, 1:00pm at St. Paul AME Church, 311 N. Division St., Morrilton, Arkansas.

Rev. John T. Grissom | Eulogist