Joyce is a graduate of Kingston Business College. After graduating, she worked as a secretary for the Jamaican Tourist Board. While there, she met two of the most important people in her life—best friend “Aunt Gem,” and the love of her life, Cecil Irving Smith. They were married in Kingston on Jan. 4, 1958.
Joyce and Cecil moved to Queens, New York where they had sons Michael and Philip. In NY, Joyce was one of the first hires at Mason Industries, now a thriving international company. She was offered promotions and transfers but soon after having a family, she changed careers and launched a successful real estate business of her own. As a realtor she was able to attend the countless baseball, basketball and football games of her boys.
Following Cecil’s retirement in 1981, the Smith family moved to Florida where Joyce enjoyed many years with friends, family and her grandchildren. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved Cecil in 1994, whom she is now reunited with.
Joyce is survived by her sons, Michael (Arlene) and Phillip (Schele), and her grandchildren Ashley (Zach) Courson, Courtney, Ian and Naomi.
Joyce was a woman of great dignity and personal warmth who valued education and always put family first. She was sassy and sweet, and always dressed to impress. She will be remembered for her poolside barbecues, amazing cooking skills, trips with grandchildren to Daytona Beach, many shopping sprees, always winning the award for best decorated door at Christmas, and singing O Holy Night in the choir. Most of all she will be remembered for her love and devotion tofamily.
She will be deeply missed.
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