Joyce L. Oliphant

A funeral service for Joyce will be held Friday, January 20, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Greater Galilee MBC, 4637 Gano St, Houston, TX 77009, followed by a visitation from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM.

On October 16, 1945, Joyce Oliphant was born to the proud parents, the late Julia and Parnell Davis, both preceded her in death. She is the oldest child of 5 children. Joyce began her education at Sunnyside Elementary School and graduated from Worthing High School in the top 10% of her class and continued her education at Texas Southern University. Joyce married Earnest Smith Jr. (deceased) and they had 4 beautiful children, Sharon (deceased), Earnest III, Eric and Shawna.

Joyce accepted the Lord at an early age and was baptized at New Hope Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Will Massie. She loved singing in the choir and playing the piano. Under the guided hand of her grand-mother, Alberta Davis, she was given piano lessons at Hobbs Music Studio. Joyce continued her love of singing and playing piano. She was taught by the renowned Shirley Joiner, Michael McKay and Lydia Madolist. She also sang in two religious groups; The Spiritual Lights, organized by her Mother,Julia Mae Green, and The Houston Harmonetts.

In 1971, Joyce joined Fontaine First Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. John H. Brown. She started playing for the Cradle Tots Choir, in 1976. She progressed to be the minister of music, playing also for the Male Chorus and the Sanctuary Choir. As minister of music, she produced the first album of Fontaine First Baptist Church, “Thank You Lord For Saving Me”. Her son Eric was called to pastor and she immediately became a member under his leadership.

In addition to helping build God's kingdom, Joyce also worked for the prominent Harry H. Cullen family for over 50 years. There she created life-long connections based on her work ethic, generosity and compassionate care for those around her. In 1992, Joyce fell in love with Booker T. Oliphant and they married in 1997. From that union, she began to build a renewed life full of adventure and love as she merged a new blended family unit.

Joyce was involved in various organizations, but it was always on her mind and heart to help students in their endeavor to continue their education after High School, thus she came up with the idea of organizing a ladies club to help her attain her dream. In 1999, Joyce organized “ The Jewels of Essence Society Club and through the united passion on the club members, they raised more than $35,000 by hosting various events such as Debutante Presentations, Young Men of Distinction, The Real Mrs. America and Women of Distinction to distribute scholarships for students entering college for the first time.

Joyce always had a creative entrepreneurial spirit. To combine her love for fashion and helping others find that one piece of jewelry to make them smile, she opened her own jewelry showcase business called Classy Glitz Boutique. She would host trunk shows and travel to various events to support this venture. She was also known as a woman who was a serial problem solver and she would be consulted on a variety of topics.

Joyce’s favorite scripture was “ALL THINGS WORK FOR THE GOOD OF THEM THAT LOVE THE LORD”. She loved The Lord with all her heart. Anyone who encountered Joyce, knew that she was known for her famous chocolate chip cookies. She did not come across anyone who has refused a cookie yet, and no one has been able to duplicate her coveted recipe.

She leaves behind her children, Earnest Smith III, Eric Smith (Tange), Shawna Mitchell (Stephen), Portia Oliphant, Tony Oliphant Jr. & Sharon Wilson (deceased), her siblings Bertha Walker (Wesley), Ellen Davis, Carolyn Smith, Leroy Davis (deceased), Ray Lloyd Williams (deceased), her grand-children, Winston Wilson (KeeKee), Tristian Wilson (Bre), Jasmine Sophus Smith, Nicole Sophus Smith, Ellante’ Smith, Erial Smith, Cameron Warren (Kelab), Jasmine Oliphant, Dexter Smith II, Jonathan Oliphant (deceased), Stephen Mitchell III, her great-grand-children Trinidy Wilson, Tootie Wilson, Tristian Jr. Wilson, Mason Wilson, Kase Wilson, Kayden Wilson, Keshayla Wilson, Kevon Wilson, Klover Warren and a large extended family all of whom she loved dearly.