Mrs. Joyce Ann Carter-Smith's Obituary
For livestream access to her service: https://m.youtube.com/live/uQxzgeYS9Co?si=2B0uTTuhZepcEG2j
Joyce Ann Carter-Smith was born, the last of six children, on February 17th, 1953, to the late Eliga and Leola Carter, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. She attended local segregated schools, in the Taylorsville Community, until high school. She was a proud member and participant of the Church of Christ and was baptized at an early age. She often discussed her father and mother's resilience and determination that all their children receive a college education.
Joyce attended the University of Alabama-Birmingham and received her bachelor’s degree in biology. After a short time working in Chicago, Illinois, she moved to Houston, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Wendle Van Smith. Wendle and Joyce were married in Holy Matrimony on March 8th, 1986, and would later have two wonderful children, Brandon Van Smith and Shelvia Alysse Smith.
Joyce worked at the University of Texas Health Harris County Psychiatric Center, where she eventually led the Medical Records and Risk and Compliance Departments, for over 30 years. After retiring in 2010, Joyce set out to travel. One of her first trips was a train ride to Arizona where she saw the Grand Canyon and visited the Navajo Tribe Reservations.
In 2014, Joyce decided to come out of retirement and work as the Westbury Church of Christ Secretary, where she served for six years until her health declined.
In her free time, Joyce loved to garden, shop, attend concerts, shop, attend banquets and galas, shop, visit family in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and Bartow, Florida, and shop. Some of her most memorable trips were a 2002 trip to Brazil with her husband, an excursion to New York City with her daughter, an educational adventure to New Orleans with her son, and a Charleston, SC trip with her sisters.
Joyce had a strong faith and was a member of the Church of Christ all her life. She attended Shady Acres Church of Christ and Northwest Church of Christ, before becoming a member of Westbury Church of Christ, where she was active for almost 40 years. She loved teaching the children’s bible classes, joining and serving on mission trips, organizing senior parties and engagements, and serving as Secretary and an Elder’s wife.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents Eliga and Leola Carter, her sister Odessa Branch, and her brother, Dr. Elijah Carter (Jan). She leaves to cherish her memories, her loving husband, Wendle Van Smith, who was an exceptional caregiver in her final years, her beloved children, Brandon Van Smith and Shelvia Alysse Smith, her sisters, Lottie Clements, Dr. Louvenia Carter-Dawson (Leonard), and Lonetta Askew. She also leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews, godchildren, cousins, and friends.
Joyce’s teachings of faith, family, love, giving, and prayer will carry the family through as they continue the journey of life. Special thanks to her sister, Lottie Clements, who helped the family care for Joyce in her final years and days.
The family thanks all of those who have sent cards, food, and words of comfort at this time of loss.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to ‘Joyce Ann Carter Smith Scholarship Fund’: Van’s Joy Foundation. For donations, Zelle: [email protected]
What’s your fondest memory of Joyce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joyce?
Share a story where Joyce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joyce you’ll never forget.
How did Joyce make you smile?