Joyce Ellen Smith

Joyce Ellen Smith, born December 2, 1933, in Rotan, TX, to Will and Myrtle Lee Hargrove, passed away peacefully at the age of 91. She was the middle child of five siblings and grew up surrounded by family and faith. Joyce married her beloved Bobby Dean Smith on November 14, 1953, and together they raised three children: Lee Scott, Charre, and Jana.

A devoted Christian, Joyce raised her children in the Baptist church, instilling in them the values of kindness, love, and unwavering faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Her warm and loving heart will be remembered by all who knew her. Joyce's home was always open to friends and family, hosting countless gatherings, including graduation and church parties, as well as memorable Halloween celebrations during her children's younger years.

Joyce was a woman of many talents. She was known for her sewing skills, sharp mind, solving crossword puzzles and winning checkers games, and as some of her friends recently recalled, whoever was her partner in Canasta would be the winning team. She enjoyed playing tennis with friends, often followed by lunch and the purchase of lottery tickets, with any winnings promptly donated to the church, or so we’ve been told. Joyce's cooking, especially her fried okra and breakfasts on the patio, will be fondly remembered by her children and grandchildren.

She was a steadfast supporter of her children and grandchildren’s events, always ensuring that everyone had a seat at the table and felt welcome in her home.

 Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Bobby Dean Smith, her son Lee Scott Smith, her parents Will and Myrtle Lee Hargrove, and her siblings: Jane Mason, Carole Justiss, Violet Upshaw, and Jo Mack Hargrove.

Joyce is survived by her daughters Charre Smith (Bebe Mireles) and Jana Morales (Robert Morales), her grandchildren Will Morales (Audrey Olvera), Joshua Morales (Cenee Arp), and Macy Morales (Gregory Kelley), her step-grandchildren Jason Forque, Corey Collins, Toni Martinez, and Lindsey Davis, her brothers-in-law Lee Mason and Alton Smith, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was deeply loved by her family and friends, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to all who showed Joyce love and support throughout her life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to Hendricks Hospice or the Rotan First Baptist Church.