Joyce Smith

Joyce Cook Smith was born April 23, 1929 in Athens, Georgia to Gladys Catherine and Julian Walter Cook. In addition to her beloved husband Wilton Smith and her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother Bill Cook and sister Martha Nan Cook.
Mrs. Smith graduated from Athens High School in 1946 where her fellow students elected her Miss Athens High School 1946. Joyce married her childhood sweetheart Wilton Smith in 1947.
She married a year after graduation and began her life as a military wife. He served in both the Navy and the Air Force and retired to Athens where they lived with their four sons most of whom attended the University of Georgia. Joyce Smith was a federal employee beginning her career at Robins Air Force Base, GA working as did her husband with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations (OSI). Mrs. Smith also had top secret clearance as part of her role with OSI. From there they served two tours in DC with OSI. Their three year tour in France offered them the opportunity to visit several countries experiencing other cultures and making precious memories. Joyce also worked at Bolling Air Force Base, DC. Upon returning to Athens, she was employed by the US Department of Agriculture, Soil Conservation Service in Financial Management. Mrs. Smith retired in 1989 with 32 years of federal service.
Since that time, and her husband's passing in 1990, her focus has been on her family. Mrs. Smith is survived by her four sons and "daughters-in-love", Ronald Walter "Rick" (Harriett Pahlck), Phillip Randolph "Randy" (Patti Ray), David Robin (Lane Upchurch) and Rodney Eugene (Sheila Collins). "Mimi" is also survived by ten grandchildren, Kristi Smith Adams (Chris), Camille Smith, Greg Smith (Tracy), Julie Smith, Mitch Smith (Chris), Trenton Smith Chasteen (Jon), Andy Smith (Lauren), Abby Smith Ritchie (Jon), Jennifer Smith, and Jacob Smith. And fourteen precious great grandchildren, Kelsie Adams Tyson and Carlie Adams; Emily, Adam, Melissa and Andrew Smith; Sam, Sally and Ann Reeves Chasteen, Laney and Henry Smith; Carter and Penn Smith, and Natalie Ritchie, with two more on the way. And cousins Miriam Edwards and David Christian.
Funeral services will be Saturday, June 25, 2016 at 1:00 PM at the chapel of Lord and Stephens, WEST. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until 12:45PM at the funeral home. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park.
Contributions may be made to Prince Avenue Baptist Church.
Lord and Stephens, WEST, is in charge of arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com