Joyce Ann (Henderson) Smith

Joyce Ann (Henderson) Smith, 87 of Fayetteville passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Willard Walker Hospice House, surrounded by her family. She was born December 19, 1937, in Emmet, Arkansas to Reverend Walter Grady Henderson and Katie Irene (Harden) Henderson. 

Preceding her in death were her husband of 43 years, John R. Smith, her parents, her beloved aunt and uncle Reva and Ed Moravec of Little Rock and her cousin Eddie Moravec of Greenbrier.

She was a graduate of Mabelvale High School and attended the University of Arkansas.
Throughout her life of close to 50 years with John, she worked hard to make sure they achieved their dreams and supported her husband in his various education administration positions, including school superintendent, across Central and Northwest Arkansas. Anytime he needed a substitute teacher, teacher's aide or elementary secretary, she stepped in to help. She spent over 20 years in the school business, the last few as an aide for special needs elementary students, and touched the lives of many children, helping to make their days better and brighter. She was a wonderful mother to her daughter and second mother to her nieces and nephews. She adored her sister and family, especially her cousins Carol, Kathy and Mike and their brother Eddie.

Survivors include her daughter, Johnette Robyn Smith Duncan; one sister, Jane Bailey and husband David of Conway; two nephews, Eric Bailey and wife Kelly of Conway, Brent Bailey of Conway; one niece, Brooke Bailey Thomas and husband Warren of Eagle, Colorado; cousins Mike Moravec and wife Jill of Bryant; Carol Barlow and husband Bill of Benton; Kathy Turpin and husband Joe of Bryant as well as numerous great nieces, great nephews and cousins.

A visitation will take place May 21, 2025 at 2 PM in the pavilion at Crestlawn Memorial Park with graveside services to follow at 3 PM.  Interment will be at Crestlawn Memorial Park in Conway.  Honorary Pallbearers will be David Bailey, Eric Bailey, Brent Bailey, Beau Bailey, Luke Bailey, Warren Thomas, Mike Moravec, Joe Turpin and Bill Barlow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Willard Walker Hospice House of Fayetteville in honor of the wonderful care they provided for Joyce.   

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Madison County Funeral Service.

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