Joyce Lightsey Smith of Hoover, AL, age 83, passed away on December 20, 2019, while surrounded by her family. She was born on December 14, 1936 in Laurel, MS to Lula & WJ Lightsey, Jr. Joyce married the love of her life, Rayford F. Smith, on August 22, 1959 and enjoyed a wonderful 60 years of marriage until her death.
Joyce is remembered as a loving and devoted wife and mother as well as a loyal friend. Family was the heart and soul of her home and she took great joy being with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved her friends and was active in many clubs and organizations over the years. She was a member of Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Homewood, AL.
Joyce is survived by her devoted husband, Rayford F. Smith of Hoover; two loving daughters, Tammy Jones (Lewis) of Vestavia Hills, AL and Holly Strayer (Mike) of Chelsea, AL; beloved brother, Mark Lightsey (Donna) of Pleasant Grove, AL; and 5 precious grandchildren (Elyse, Zachary, Samuel, Caleb and Jacob). Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Betty Riggio and her brother Ronald Lightsey.
Family and friends are invited to gather to celebrate Joyce’s life and to attend the Visitation and Funeral Services which will be held at Rideout’s Elmwood Chapel located at 800 Dennison Avenue SW, Birmingham, AL 35211 on Saturday, December 28, 2019 Visitation will be from 12:00 pm. to 1:00 p.m. followed by funeral services beginning at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her honor to:
Alabama Baptist Children’s Home (Ministry to support adoption and foster care)
PO Box 361767
Birmingham, AL 35236
2052-945-0037 or www.alabamachild.org
Unless U (Ministry for special needs adults)
2017 Columbiana Road
Birmingham, AL 35216
205-215-5209 or www.unlessu.org
