Bobby Joyce Smith

Bobby was born on June 3, 1926 in Hasse, Texas. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from McMurry College in 1964, and a Master of Arts degree from the University of Arizona in 1975. Bobby spent the majority of her life in the theater. She participated in many aspects of the performing arts, from acting and singing, to directing and playwriting. As the wife of distinguished Air Force Pilot, Lt. Col. Leon A. Smith, Bobby traveled the world and lived in many exotic locations including Japan, England and Honolulu. While living in Honolulu, Bobby taught music classes at the prestigious private school, Punahou. After finishing her Masters degree, she remained in Tucson, Arizona and became highly involved in the local theater scene. She performed in numerous productions with many local theater companies for nearly 40 years. Some of her favorite roles include Glenda the Good Witch in The Wizard of Oz and Lady Thiang in The King and I. She also spent many years singing with a little band in the lounge at Lowes Ventana Canyon Resort. In addition to performing, she loved to write plays! Bobby had many of her plays produced throughout the years, with her favorites being melodramas at the famous Gaslight Theater. She has even worked with a couple of big name stars - William H. Macy and Bette Midler. When Bobby decided to retire from the theater, she definitely didn’t retire from performing. She became a certified exercise instructor with the SilverSneakers program and continued to stay active teaching various classes at Mid Valley Athletic Club.

After receiving a dementia diagnosis, Bobby moved to Houston to be with her daughter and receive loving care. Initially, her condition progressed slowly enabling them to spend many happy years together.

Bobby Smith is preceded in death by her parents; loving husband, Leon A. Smith; son, Carl Smith; and sister, Terry Dye. She leaves behind daughter, Cassondra Colville and husband James Colville of Houston, TX; daughter Vicki Burge of Hastings, Nebraska; sisters, Glenda Young of Tucson, AZ and Suzi Selph of Tucson, AZ; and a host of other cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Bobby had a zest for life and lived everyday to the fullest. She was friendly, talented, intelligent, funny, and determined to make the most of the beautiful life she was given. She touched many lives and will be greatly missed.

Bobby’s family would like to give a special thanks to Caydance Assisted Living and Memory Care who provided love and supportive care to Bobby during her last few years, and the caring team at Accredited Hospice who made it possible for Bobby to be home with her daughter during her final days.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date for Bobby’s family and friends.