Joyce J. Smith, Church Altar Guild Director, Dies at 77

Joyce J. Smith, age 77, died at Regency Woodlands Residential Care Center, Salem, Oregon on January 1, 2012.

She was born July 24, 1934, in Columbus, Ohio, to the late Lawrence and Faith Chandler Jefferies. Her primary education was in the Catholic Schools Diocese of Columbus. She graduated High School at Columbus School for Girls and received her Bachelor of Arts from Goucher College, Maryland. 

Joyce soon after began working at Brookhaven National Laboratories as a laboratory assistant until the birth of her son, Philip in 1966. 

In 1958, Joyce and Cliff Smith were married in Columbus, Ohio and moved to their first home in Bay Shore, New York. In 1962, the young Long Island couple moved to their home in Smithtown, NY where they would raise a family and reside until 2006.

Joyce, an avid nature lover and reader, was very involved with her church congregation of Saint Thomas of Canterbury, Smithtown, NY where she served as the church altar guild’s director for over 18 years.

She and her husband moved to Salem, Oregon in 2006 to be closer to their family.  They loved to travel with family and have shared many joyful memories. 

Joyce is survived by her husband Clifford A. Smith, son Philip L. Smith, Daughter-in-law Beth M. Malouf and Granddaughter Amelia M. Smith of Salem, Oregon. She is predeceased by her brother Thomas C. Jefferies (2001).

Visitation was from 1:00-5:00 pm on Sunday, January 8 at Virgil T. Golden Funeral Service. Funeral services Services were held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Salem, Oregon at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 9, 2012.

Contributions in memory of Joyce J. Smith may be made to Parkinsons Resources of Oregon 3975 Mercantile Dr. Ste. 154 Lake Oswego, OR 97305 or Willamette Valley Hospice 1015 NW 3^rd St, Salem, OR 97304.

We would like to thank the very caring support of our family, friends, and community, including many wonderful people at Salem Hospital, Regency Woodlands Residential Care and Willamette Valley Hospice, St Paul's Episcopal, and UU Congregation Salem that have helped Joyce and her family through this time.