Joyce Smith

Joyce Evelyn Smith passed into the loving arms of Jesus on March 6, 2024, with her loving husband, Jerry, son, Stanley, and caregivers from Big Country Hospice by her side.   She loved her Lord Jesus Christ and was an active member of the Baker Heights Church of Christ for many years. She kept the faith, fought the good fight, and finished her race to collect her crown of righteousness.  

Joyce’s life will be celebrated at The Hamil Family Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at 10:00am with Ron McElyea officiating.  Her burial will follow at Elliott Hamil Garden of Memories.  A visitation for friends and family will be held at The Hamil Family Funeral Home on Monday, March 11, 2024, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.   Services are under the direction of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road.

Joyce was born March 4, 1937, in Abilene, Texas, to Johnny Downs and June Downs in Abilene, Texas. Joyce graduated from Abilene High School then attended Abilene Christian University where she earned a nursing degree.  She married Jerry Smith in 1957 and they raised three children - Sherrie, Randy and Stanley.

Joyce was the consummate homemaker. She was devoted to her children and was a faithful and loving partner to her husband, Jerry.  She loved to sew, bake, and maintain her household. She enjoyed being with her children after she picked them up from school and especially when they went to A & W Root beer for a treat.  Joyce was an avid fan of the boys’ baseball games and loved to watch them ride motorcycles in Motor Cross races.  She and Sherrie were involved in drawing and painting in private art classes. Joyce was a talented artist and painted many beautiful pictures that she gave away.

Joyce liked to be busy. She played golf and was in a bowling league with Jerry. She sang in the Sweet Adelines, belonged to an artists’ group, and played Bunko every month with her lady friends from church, the Bunko Beauties, for 23 years.  She was a gracious host and very imaginative. On one occasion, after returning from a trip to Rome, she decorated her living room as a Roman Café to simulate a Roman holiday experience for her friends.

Joyce enjoyed doing things for others at her church. Planning special dinners for the widows and widowers was one of her favorite things to do.  She organized and supervised meals for sick people, new parents and for grieving families.  Joyce was very creative and liked to have fun. During a particular Ladies Night Out, she taught a group of ladies to paint Sun Flowers on an outline of the State of Texas on birdhouses, ceramic pots, shirts, and totes. She put a picture of each lady in 50 tote bags and sent them to Christian ladies in Zambia to carry their Bibles and other items. Everyone loved doing things with Joyce leading them so everyone could have a good time.  

Joyce established the SASSIE HATITUDES Red Hat Ladies group in 2005 and was active as the queen mother for 18 years.  The group enjoyed trips, outings, making bears for children in the hospital, visiting and singing at nursing homes and shut-in friends, and dining out together.

Joyce was very supportive of Jerry and active in their business, Jerry’s Campers, for 30 years. She enjoyed her grandkids and great grandkids. They affectionately called her Nani and loved her so much, and she loved all of them.  

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents and son Randy.  She is survived by her husband, Jerry, daughter Sherrie, son Stanley and grandchildren – Renee, Stephanie, Coby, Katelynn, and Baylor – and several great grandchildren.  

Memorials can be made to Baker Heights Church of Chris or The White Rock Fund through the Baker Heights Church of Christ at 5382 Texas Avenue, Abilene, Texas, 79605 or any charitable organization of the donor’s choice.

The family of Joyce Smith wishes to express their sincere thanks to the many friends and family who loved Joyce, checked on her while she was ill, brought food, sat with her, and prayed for her and her family during her illness.