Joyce Marie Smith

Joyce Marie Jeske Smith, 83, passed away May 23, 2025, in Austin, Texas. Joyce was born December 12, 1941, in Brenham, Texas, the daughter of Raymond Carl Jeske and Anita Martha Herms Jeske. She was baptized and confirmed at St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill and attended the elementary school at Prairie Hill. She then graduated from Brenham High School.

Joyce grew up on the family farm and was an active member of the 4-H Clubs of Washington County, where she received the Gold Star Award along with several district area honors for her projects and achievements. Joyce, her parents and her grandfather Louis Jeske were avid participants in the Washington County Fair, proudly winning hundreds of ribbons and banners over the years.

After completing her education in Brenham, Joyce was ready for a new chapter in life. Her childhood visits to her Uncle Albert and his family had sparked a lifelong desire to live in Austin, and she soon made the move to Austin, beginning her working life at Sakowitz. Along the way, she met Harold Scott Smith, and they were married on May 28, 1967, at St. John Lutheran Church of Prairie Hill.

Following their marriage, the couple moved to Houston for Harold’s employment. However, they soon realized that city life in Houston was not for them. As soon as Harold could secure a transfer, they returned to Austin where Joyce was happy and she then had Austin as her home for the rest of her life.

Joyce attended Austin Community College receiving two associate degrees in Business Administration and in Computer Information Systems thereby keeping her current in the rapidly changing technology world. Her employment over the years included Austin Community College and the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA). One of her great passions was scrapbooking. Over her lifetime, she lovingly compiled many volumes documenting her life’s journey. Her enjoyment for photography also played a big role in that passion, enriching her scrapbooks with vivid pictures of her memories.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Harold, her step-sons Michael Smith and Wesley Smith, her parents, and her grandparents.

She is survived by her sister LaVerna Wegner and husband John, her nephew Scott Wegner, her niece Amy Wegner Campbell and husband Kirk, and her great-nephews Mark Wegner, Elias Campbell and Tobias Campbell.

Joyce is also survived by her dear friends in Austin, Lisa Naxera and Ella Miesner, who provided steadfast friendship, care and comfort through the years.

A graveside service for Joyce will be held Thursday, May 29, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, 14501 N Interstate Hwy 35, Pflugerville, Texas 78660.