Joyce Yvonne Smith was born to Fred Bailey Jr. and Floria Augustine Toms on January 1, 1941 in Ironton, OH. She graduated from South Point High School, South Point, OH.

After relocating to Lansing, MI in 1967 along with husband George K. Smith and family, Joyce worked for the Ingham County Prosecuting Attorney's Office and many years in various roles for the State of Michigan, Department of Natural Resources before retiring. Shortly after, she started her own in-home administrative/clerical services, JY & Associates, which she operated for a number of years.

Joyce was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt and grandmother. She enjoyed baking (especially a cookie sheet cake many loved), spending time with family, singing in the church choir, crossword puzzles and was a huge Michigan State Spartan fan!

She departed this life on Monday, July 13, 2026. Joyce was preceded in death by: her parents; husband of 46 years, George K. Smith; stepfather, Lewis Smith; sisters, Lisa Smith, Jeri Baylor; brothers, Melvin Brisco and Gerald Brisco.

She leaves to cherish her memory: sons, George (Kennieth) Smith (Aimee) of Louisville, KY and Gerald (Kalin) Smith (Lisa) of Lansing, MI; daughters, Gina Smith-Kirkling of Lansing, MI, Glenda Wilson of Durham, NC, Genise Smith-Watkins (William) of Madison, WV; brother, Thomas Brisco (Joyce) of Austin, Texas; grandchildren, Gennifer, Gessica, George, Geauston, Gerald, Victoria (Tori), David, Shayna, Preston, Daquory, Tavarres, Johnnie, Kayla, Kalin, and Kristin; several great-grandchildren; sister-in-laws, Miriam Riddle and Bonita Smith of Lansing, MI and Jacqueline Calloway of Denver, CO; brother-in-law, James Smith of Ft. Collins, CO; special niece, Margo Smith-Scott of Arlington, VA; many cousins, nephews, nieces, other relatives, and friends.

Special thanks to Joyce’s granddaughter, Victoria “Tori” Kirkling, for her tireless work advocating for Joyce’s care and affairs over the past several months and ensuring they were handled properly and lovingly.

The family also extends heartfelt appreciation to: attorney, Nick Leydorf; advocates, Melissa Williams and Sara Gusler; Holt Senior Care; and caregivers, Allissa, Lauren, Jenny, and Megan for their guidance, support, advocacy, and compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Joyce Smith to Heart to Heart Hospice, 2260 E. Saginaw St., East Lansing, MI 48823.