Joyce (Davis) Smith

Reidsville

Joyce Davis Smith, 90, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 29, 2018 at Community Hospice in Vidalia, GA, following a brief illness. She had been constantly surrounded by her family and had been visited during her stay there by many friends and relatives. The outpouring of love and support for her and her family was truly amazing.

Joyce was the daughter of the late Lena Hill and Arthur Lee Davis, Sr. of Ludowici and the widow of J.W. (Winton) Smith, Sr.  She was born on July 6, 1927 in Verna, FL.  At age 3, the family moved to Ludowici. Joyce graduated from Ludowici High School in 1945 and briefly attended UGA before marrying Winton in 1946.  They moved to Reidsville that same year.  She is survived by her three daughters, Brenda Smith of Atlanta, Linda Jerkins (Keith) of Athens, Lisa Smith of Roanoke, VA, her two sons, Rev. Jim Smith (Diane) of Vidalia and Stephen Smith (Iris) of Reidsville, her three grandchildren, Shanna Smith Tanner (Dan) of Blackshear, James-Michael Smith of Charlotte, NC, and Stuart Jerkins of Athens, as well as her three great-grandchildren, Davis, Cole, and Natalie Tanner of Blackshear. She is also survived by her three sisters Ruth Strickland of Forsyth, GA, June Griffin (Doug) of Chatsworth, GA, and Sue Gore (Ronnie) of Wellborn, FL, and was preceded in death by her brothers, Arthur Lee Davis, Jr. and Tom Hill Davis of Ludowici. She is survived by several nieces and nephews on both the Smith and Davis side of the family.

Joyce was a homemaker who lived in Reidsville for 72 years, and it was definitely home to her.  She never wanted to be anywhere else on this earth.  She loved the Lord, her family, her friends (of all ages), and her community.  She also dearly loved the Reidsville United Methodist Church and the Lillian Eason Sunday School class where she was a member for many years. In return for a godly life well lived, she was truly loved by all who knew her.

Family will receive visitors at Low Country Cremation and Burial, 124 Jordan Street, Reidsville, GA , on Sunday, July 1, 2018 from 6-8pm.  Funeral service will be at Reidsville United Methodist Church on Monday, July 2, 2018 at 11:00am, conducted by Rev. Marc Foster, pastor RUMC and Rev. Jim Smith, son and pastor of Vidalia First United Methodist Church. Burial will follow in Reidsville City Cemetery.

Pallbearers are Louie Smith, Jr., Louie Tietgen Smith, L.G. Mitcham, Willard Sikes, Sidney Miles, and Wayne Martin.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any donations be made to Reidsville United Methodist Church, 123 East Brazell St, PO Box 218, Reidsville, GA 30453, or Community Hospice, 904 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Vidalia, GA 30474

Low Country Cremation and Burial is serving the Smith family.