Joyce Smith

Joyce Marlene (Stevens) Smith was born on February 2, 1941 in Fullerton, Nebraska to Earl Theodore and Carol Edna Stevens. She was raised on farms in York and Polk County. She attended the York County School System from first to seventh grade, and Polk High School from eighth through 12th.

In the fall of 1958 Joyce entered Nebraska Wesleyan University to study secondary education. While she was a student, she met Douglas Eliot Smith from Chappell, Nebraska. They were married in the Polk, Nebraska United Methodist Church on August 27, 1960. They were married for 64 years. After college, they moved to Deuel County to Doug's family farm, where they spent the next 60 years together. To this union, two children were born: Andrea Diane and Brian Douglas.

While Doug was farming, Joyce was a full-time housewife and part-time bookkeeper. She held jobs at the Chappell Livestock Company, Fashion Plaza, and spent many years at the Chappell Area Medical Services as a receptionist. She was a very active member of the Chappell United Methodist Church, teaching many grades including adult bible classes. She was active in the Stephen Ministry Program, Eastern Star, including one year as a state officer. She served five years on the Deuel County Fair Board and five years on the Deuel County Extension Council. During her lifetime, she spent many hours attending her children and grandchildren's sporting and music events, and travelled extensively throughout the US and abroad with Douglas.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas; her two brothers, Douglas (Paula) and Dennis (Carol); her daughter, Andrea (Dick); her son, Brian (Rachel); her grandchildren Robbie (Mackenzie) and Rachel Wardwell, and Chandra, Michael and Zachariah Smith; and her great grandchildren, Riley and Miley Hitzges. She is preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Carol Stevens.

Memorial donations can be made to the Murray Fire and Rescue, 818 East Main Street, Murray, NE 68409.