Joyce Anita Smith

Joyce Anita Smith, 90, of Asheboro, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home on September 5th.

Joyce was born on July 9, 1935, in Randolph County, the third of seven children to the late Lucille Allred Smith and Roy Lester Smith. She was a graduate of Coleridge High School.

Joyce was a longtime member of Gospel Chapel, where she served faithfully as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and church treasurer for over 50 years. She later became a member of Balfour Baptist Church and was most recently attending Center Cross Baptist Church.

She worked for Acme McCrary during her career. Joyce loved a good drive—whether it was sister outings, to Cana for apples, to Branchville, South Carolina to visit her sister and brother-in-law, out-west with her brother, or most recently to Carbondale, Illinois to visit her niece. She was always willing to ride along whenever asked.

Joyce also had a deep appreciation for good food and fellowship. She was an excellent seamstress and a master at baking homemade coconut cakes. She cherished outings to restaurants and laundry days with her nieces and great-nieces. She was also grateful for the help of her great-nephews, whether it was fixing her TV or lending a steady hand as she made her way to the car. She had the most loving heart, and her smile was infectious and could light up a room.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sisters Marie (Joe) Auman and Patsy (Colon) Henley; her brothers Gary Smith and Darrell (Gail) Smith; her sister-in-law Rachel Freeman Smith; and her niece Deanna Ellen Smith.

She is survived by her older brother, Leslie “Buster” Smith of Asheboro, and her youngest sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Ken Hardee of Branchville, SC. Joyce also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family, and friends who will miss her dearly.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Mt. Tabor Community Church Cemetery, 1269 Mt. Tabor Church Rd., Asheboro with Paster Garry Arnett officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mt Tabor Community Cemetery Fund 1269 Mt.Tabor Church Rd Asheboro NC 27205.