Joyce Janell Smith

Joyce Janell Confer Smith, the third child of James Confer Sr. and Sarah Gales Confer, was born May 1, 1943 into a loving family in Memphis, Tennessee. From a young age, Joyce had an appreciation for learning and would fondly talk about the teachers that inspired her. Joyce excelled in school - even being named Miss Chemistry. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, TN in 1961.

Joyce married Sidney Smith Jr. of Memphis, TN in 1967. To this union, five (5) children were born. Joyce built a loving home with her husband as they moved from Memphis to Brighton. Joyce took great pride in raising and instructing her children to ensure that they would grow into empathetic, responsible and God fearing adults. Joyce was a true servant of God who modeled a Godly way of life. Through her faith and commitment to service, Joyce wrote songs of praise and offered spiritual guidance to all those she encountered. She was always willing to help those in need and never found offering assistance an inconvenience. She had a zeal for uplifting the sick and shut-in. Her sense of duty was reflected in how she reared her children. Joyce excelled in sharing her faith with others through Bible studies that evidenced her commitment to the scripture. She and her husband had a weekly church ministry at the Evergreen Nursing home where the spirits of the residents were lifted in rejoicing.

At home, Joyce loved gardening. She was an herbalist and focused on nutrition using herbs for maintaining health. Through her diligent efforts, Joyce learned the many benefits of herbs and natural supplements and freely shared her knowledge. She and Sidney had an unparalleled work ethic and strong Christian values that have been passed down to their children that will continue to endure for years to come. Her life of dedication taught her children and grandchildren to embrace Christian principles to endure life’s challenges.

Joyce also supported and encouraged her children during their education pursuits and beyond. Joyce was a beloved grandmother who relished spending time with her grandchildren. She focused on showing them love that only a grandmother could show by having a steadfast presence.

During her professional career, she worked at the Shelby County Health Department. However, she had an entrepreneurial spirit and went on to graduate from cosmetology school. With her cosmetology license she built and managed her own beauty salon. She later went on to work as a children’s counselor with the Tipton County school system.

Joyce was preceded in death by her loving husband of 56 years, Sidney Smith, Jr., her parents: James Albert and Sarah Gales Confer and sister: Shirley Confer Moss. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory her brothers, James Confer, Jr (Lois), Ellis Confer, Ralph Confer, and Derrick Confer, daughters Wanda Chunduru ( Ravi), Tracie Bardwell (Michael), Jennifer Little (Melvin), and sons Sidney Smith (Laquissa), and Christopher Smith (Wendy), 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren & a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends to cherish her memory.