Joyce H. Smith (88) of Colorado Springs, CO passed away peacefully, Sunday, 15 October 2023 at Memorial Hospital Central due to a massive stroke. She was born 4 May 1935 in Tacoma Park, Maryland to Forrest S. Hayden and Doris Fields Hayden. Both her Mother and Father went to their heavenly reward in 2001. Her older sister Faith Foster predeceased her in June 2022. Joyce married Ernest W Smith, 31 August 1957. Ernie passed away in August 2015.
Joyce was devoted to Ernie and their three children: Ginny, Judy, and Ron. When Ernie was diagnosed with diabetes at the age of 35, Joyce dedicated herself to maintaining his diet and his health. Joyce and Ernie were both involved in serving Christ in the Penn Hills Free Methodist Church in Pittsburgh, PA. They were foster parents to 12 children over the course of 5 years. Joyce served as a teacher and a director for Sunday School, Christian Youth Crusaders (CYC), and Vacation Bible School (VBS).
Joyce loved music, particularly the hymns of the church. She sang in choir and in the Ladies Trio. She also participated in the choir for a Billy Graham Crusade when it was held in Pittsburgh. Joyce helped countless families in her lifetime, with childcare, surgery recovery or other medical care. She was also a strong support provider for anyone who asked. In recent years, she volunteered in the kitchen of Vista Grande Baptist Church, to prepare and serve Wednesday night dinners.
Joyce is survived by her sister Sally Muskovin, Nieces Cheryl (Fred) Moore and Marian Hazelton, the children, and families. By her brother Logan Stanley (Kyle) Hayden, Nieces Dr. Kim Bynum (JT), Jennifer Redfearn, Taylor Rizzi (Evan); nephews Eric and Ryan Hayden (Jessie) and families. Her sister Faith’s husband Chuck, son Brandt Conner (Kathy), nieces Katie and Kristina Osborn (TED) and their baby Arie.
She is also survived by her children: Virginia (Ginny) Schermerhorn (Joe), granddaughters Pam M Goodchild (Justin), their sons Ephram and Skylar. Kim M. Story (Dan) and their daughter Kaylee.
Judy Mclaughlin (Tim), grandsons Jason and Todd McLaughlin (Sarah) and their daughter Anna.
Ron Smith (Amy) their daughter, Sarah Holzmann (Connor) and son Matthew.
Joyce lived a full life serving Christ, her family, and community. She will be greatly missed.
In Lieu of flowers, donations to the American Diabetes Association would be appreciated.
A visitation for Joyce will be held Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM at Vista Grande Baptist Church, 5680 Stetson Hills Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917. A funeral service will occur Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 5680 Stetson Hills Blvd, Colorado Springs, CO 80917. A committal service will occur Thursday, October 26, 2023 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at Memorial Gardens Cemetery & Funeral Home, 3825 Airport Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80910.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.memorialgardensfuneralhome.com for the Smith family.
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