Joy Lucille Smith

Joy Lucille Smith, 93, of Lubbock, Texas passed away December 27, 2023, surrounded by immediate family, following complications from a heart attack and several illnesses. Joy was born June 15, 1930 on her grandparent's farm in Garza County, TX to Elvin E. Smith and Alma I. (Cearley) Smith. She was raised by her grandparents Oran R. and Agnes I. Cearley and graduated from Post High School at the age of 16. She lived most of her adult life in Lubbock, TX. In her early years, Joy attended Draughn's Business School in Lubbock, and worked for several Lubbock companies including S.H. Kress & Co, Levine's Department Store, the Cotton Classification Office, and a Kodak Camera store. She made a career of 27 years, however, with the U.S. Postal Service from which she accepted early retirement in 1992. Yet, even though working full time and raising three sons as a single parent, she still found time for such things as being a Cub Scout Den Mother in the '60s. Joy enjoyed keeping busy and enriching her knowledge of the world. She was a member of the American Business Women's Association and the Knife and Fork Book Club for many years, and took enrichment courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at Texas Tech University. She explored the Bahamas in 2004 with family, enjoyed the symphony, loved dogs and "Downton Abbey," and never missed an opportunity to solve the daily crossword puzzle. Family fondly remembers her as someone who portrayed herself as a grouchy stubborn lady but was actually a kind-hearted woman who was always there when needed. Surviving loved ones include sons Kelly Neal Smith (and wife Karen), Gordon Keith Smith (and longtime companion Valda McClain), and Gerald Alan Smith; brother Michael C. Murdock (and wife Donna); grandchildren Kristopher N. Smith (and wife Susan) and Kathryn M. (Smith) Harlan (and husband Don); great-granddaughters Alice M. Harlan and Caitlin E. Harlan; niece Fleeta Cunningham, cousins Stanna C. (Butler) Welch and Ritalynn (Butler) Suidikas, and sister-in-law Linda (Smith) Washington. Joy was preceded in death by parents Elvin and Alma, and brothers Elvin "Gene" E. Smith and Roberts "Bob" H. Smith. Visitation will be at Sanders Funeral Home in Lubbock, TX on Friday, January 05, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, January 06, 2024 in Sanders Memorial Chapel with Chaplain Josh Reglin officiating. Graveside services will follow in City of Lubbock Cemetery. Please celebrate the life of Joy by visiting www.sandersfuneralhome.com. A webcast of services will be available as well as our online guest book. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to a charity of your choice in Joy's name.

Joy Lucille Smith

June 15, 1930 - December 27, 2023