Ms. Joyce Denise Smith
(February 7, 1958 - July 16, 2026)
Viewing Location: Leevy's Funeral Home, 1831 Taylor Street, Columbia, South Carolina
Viewing Date & Time: Friday, July 24, 2026 / 2:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M.
Funeral Location: Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, 2224 Barhamville Road, Columbia, South Carolina
Funeral Date & Time: Saturday, July 25, 2026 / 11:00 A.M.
Interment Location: Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens, 2603 Two Notch Road, Columbia, South Carolina
There is not enough space to express or describe the love that my family has for Joyce and the Smith Family. This family helped to raise my two young baby boys as I was beginning as a young teacher and newly wed. Being the youngest sibling, Joyce was around them more and helped to care for them. And that was fifty years ago. Put simply, Joyce was such a lovely person in every way. But this same description goes for each member of the Smith Family. My sons and I extend our love and most deepest and sincerest condolences. God makes no mistakes.
With our heartfelt love, we extend our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences to Elder William Smith, and the entire Smith family..May God wrap his loving arms around you to comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time..May you be surrounded by God’s love and the love of those who loves Joyce and the Smith family deeply..May God continue to bless and keep you, is our continuous prayer.
With love,
Elder and Sis Mingo and Mingo family
Our deepest condolences to Elder William Smith and the entire Smith family.
I’m writing this note of condolences to honor someone l counted as a friend. A few weeks ago l called her when she was a patient at Lexington Rehabilitation. When l called her it was time for the 5pm traffic, so l called instead of making the trip. I will always regret that. Joyce had a strong voice and a smile in her voice and l just knew we would see each other at another time. I’m blessed with so many times she was a blessing to me by being her kind self. She was blessed with parents that loved her, a mother who also was like her sister and a great woman of faith. Many years ago they shared a conversation with me about a health issue. I remember Sister Smith speaking words of faith and the Lord worked it out. I was always blessed the way her brothers gave her credit for doing an excellent job of planning any ever for the family. Her niece was her daughter & her nephews were her sons. I talked with her about her travels over the highways to be with David in Virginia.She was blessed with a sister when her brother Elder William married Sis Shenice giving her a sister .Caregiving is a hard job, but she managed it as she worked on her job. I shall forever miss hearing her sing a wonderful change has come over me. I’m going to miss her as a DEAR sister to chat with. I’m so grateful to the savior for granting her a blessed travel that was not surrounded by IV’s, tubes & etc. Thanks to the Smith family for sharing such a WONDERFUL person with us. My heart is full but very grateful to the Lord for all of our conversations over the years. I hope she knew l loved her. Sis RBW
Our sincere condolences and love to Elder William Smith, his entire immediate family, church family, extended family and friends. Joyce will forever be remembered in our hearts for tbe love she showed to our entire family and church family. RIH dear sweet Joyce.
To Bill and the Smith family. May the cherished memories of your sister bring you comfort, and may you find hope in God’s promise to be close to the brokenhearted. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Rest in peace Joyce.
So sorry for your loss may God continue to bless you all and keep you strong your in christ sis wannamaker
To the Smith Family, Our Prayers are with you doing this difficult time. I had the pleasure of meeting Sis Joyce at the airport Her smile would make you feel like whatever problem you had going on she would always say It is well and just Smile,
To the Smith Family, our prayers are with you in this difficult time. May God comfort your hearts, in the passing of our dear Sister Joyce.
Elder Smith and Mrs Smith ,I was sadden to hear of your loved one passing.Your family and friends have my sincere love and prayers .May God bless each of you,and know that he has his arms around you.God Bless!!!
Truly saddened to learn of dear Joyce’s passing! She was indeed a highly valued colleague of Piedmont/US Airways/American Airlines at the Columbia Metropolitan Airport, and I recall many wonderful times shared with this lovely lady, professionally and personally. May her memory be eternal and May all who knew her find solace in Heaven’s myriad blessings! ✝️✝️✝️
Our Prayers and Love are with you Elder Smith and Family. We love you and praying for comfort and strength. BRO JOHN and Doris Moore.
Prayers and Heartfelt Condolences to the Smith Family. May God give you comfort during this difficult time. Joyce was loved and will be dearly missed.
Larry & Lenita Kellam, Edith Breland (Syracuse, NY)
My heart is with my family as we honor the life of my Aunt Joyce – my Aunt Jay.
Aunt Joyce was more than an aunt to me. She was also a mother figure, a source of love and support, and an important part of the man I became. When I think of her, I think about our family gatherings in Denmark, South Carolina; church services with writing pads and orange Mentos; Fridays watching movies and playing Nintendo; trips to the zoo; and the laughter and love we shared.
Aunt Joyce believed in me and helped me pursue my dreams. When I moved to Los Angeles to build my career, she placed me on her American Airlines buddy pass so I could travel home and accept opportunities across the country. Many of the doors that opened for me were doors she helped me reach. I will never forget her sacrifices, her generosity, or the faith she placed in me.
There will always be a part of me that misses her, but there will also always be a part of her living through the memories she gave me, the doors she helped open, and the love she showed our family.
Rest peacefully, Aunt Jay. I love you, and I will always carry you with me.
Your nephew, Brandon
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Joyce had a big, beautiful smile and a kindness she shared so freely. To Elder William Smith and family, I pray that God’s peace surrounds you, and that the memories of her joy bring comfort in the days ahead.
I offer my heartfelt condolences to Elder William Smith and family during this difficult time. I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Joyce. My prayers are with you all.
Dear Aunt Joyce,
We were made family through marriage. Your presence felt like we were through blood. We love and miss you. Forever in our hearts. Always, Tasheema & Kamari Grimes
Clawson family
I would like to extend my deepest condolences to you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you during these difficult times.
Joyce was a friend indeed and my family and I will truly miss her and the kind words, hugs and smiles she always shared.
I pray now for God’s peace and comfort to the entire family….
The Dees Family
I extend my deepest condolences to the Smith family. May God’s Holy spirit bring you comfort and peace during this difficult time. May you find solace in knowing that Joyce’s life was hidden in Jesus Christ.
Our family extends heartfelt condolences to the Smith family. We are praying for you.
Sis. Joyce was my first Sunday School teacher & Girls Club leader at Denmark Progressive; she was my sister-in-Christ and a dear friend. We would hug every time we met; and, she ALWAYS made me feel as if I was someone special. I will miss my dear friend and sister dearly; but, I know if I continue to live the life she instilled in me at a young age, we will meet and greet each other again! Joyce was an extremely joyful person, consistent with her love for EVERYBODY. To Elder Smith and family, we offer you thoughts, prayers, hugs, and lots of love during this difficult time; James and I offer our sincere condolences; may God provide peace that surpasses all understanding like only He can and comfort your grieving hearts during this immense difficult time, in Jesus’ name.
My deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time.
Joyce was truly a wonderful person who touched the lives of so many. I had the pleasure of working with Joyce, and she was such a beacon of light to our team. Her kindness, warmth, and positive spirit made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Smith family and all who loved Joyce. May you find comfort in the many beautiful memories she leaves behind and in the lives she touched along the way.
To the Smith Family. Joyce was a dear friend and will truly be missed by all. May God strengthen you during your time of bereavement.
Sending my deepest condolences to Ms. Joyce’s loved ones. Prayers, peace, sympathy, and love to each of you.
On behalf of all the Piedmont/American Airlines staff that worked with Joyce, we send our deepest sympathy to the Smith family and friends. We will never forget her kind and warm caring personality.
Our sincerest condolences and prayers are with Elder William Smith, Shanice Smith and the entire Smith Family in the loss of our beloved Joyce. We’d hug, giggle and behave like little girls whenever we’d meet. The love of our Denmark families are forever cherished. I will hold Joyce’s sweet spirit, memory, and smile close at heart. Praying for God’s peace and comfort to your family. “The Lord is close to the broken hearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18
Sending my condolences to your family during this time! Joyce will be missed by many & will forever leave great memories!
May you always be remembered for the loving & kind things that you did! Rest in peace my dear!
Our sincerest condolences and prayers are with Elder William Smith, Shanice Smith and the entire Smith Family in the loss of our beloved Joyce. We’d hug, giggle and behave like little girls whenever we’d meet. The love of our Denmark families are forever cherished. I will hold Joyce’s sweet spirit, memory, and smile close at heart. Praying for God’s peace and comfort to your family. “The Lord is close to the broken hearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.” Psalm 34:18
Bro. Dewayne, Sister Stephanie and Sis. Loren Eubanks. We are deeply saddened of the loss of your love one Sis. Joyce Smith. Sis. Joyce had such a pleasant disposition. May God continue to give you and your family strength during this very difficult time.
Love,
Eubanks Family
My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with you, Elder Smith, and your family. May our Lord surround you with His love, grant you peace, and comfort your hearts during this time of grief. Praying that His strength and presence will sustain you in the days ahead.
My hearfelt condolences to the Smith family. I am truly saddened by hearing the passing of Joyce. Thankful for beautiful memories of her kindness and sweet spirit. May the comfort of God be with you all in the days ahead.
William Smith and family,
With the loss of your sister, our dear classmate(D-O High, Class of 1976) and friend, we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We are thinking of you now and in the days ahead as we cherish the precious memories of our beloved Joyce. Her infectious smile, warm spirit, and genuine kindness will always be remembered. One of my favorite memories of Joyce is that we were both “Black teenage female” high school student bus drivers. At the time, we were too young to realize the significance of what we were called to do! Joyce took great pride in driving her school bus, and together we broke barriers in a role that was uncommon for “Black teenage girls”—and even for high school students in general. Looking back, it is remarkable, and it’s something I will always remember and admire about her. May the love you shared and the many wonderful memories of Joyce bring comfort and peace to you, your family, and everyone who knew and loved her. Joyce, I’ll miss you. Take your rest. Love you always. With everlasting love,Jeannie and Burgess
🙏🏽❤️💙💛💔🚌
Joyce, your presence will be missed as we celebrate our 50th graduation anniversary this year. About 8 years ago we talked on the phone via your brother David in Virginia. It was so great to hear your voice, after not seeing you since 1976. It’s just hard to believe and accept. You are now resting in the arms of Jesus. Love you classmate🙏🏾💙💛
It is with great sadness that I express my heartfelt condolences to the Smith Family for your loss. Joyce was such a warm and beautiful person, and knew how to make anyone smile and feel at home.
As the Denmark-Olar High School Class of 1976 celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year, I know I speak for the entire class in expressing much we loved and admired Joyce.
May God comfort and strengthen the family during this time.
My childhood neighbor and forever homegirl (Denmark) and friend, I am truly saddened to hear of your passing. But, God is in control and he knows best. May your soul rest with our Lord and you be at peace. I offer my condolences to William and his family.
Our heartfelt condolences are extended to Elder William Smith and the entire Smith family in the transitioning of Sister Joyce. She was a big bundle of “JOY”, always greeting you with a smile. Sister Joyce will be greatly missed. May God strengthen you during this time of bereavement. With “LOVE”
My sweet Joyce. Rest in the arms of Christ. No words can express this. To Elder Smith and family my condolences to you all. I do pray that God will give you peace that passes all understanding and comfort.
My heart is truly broken and I am still in shock about my younger sister Joyce. I pray that she is resting well in Jesus arms. Praying for comfort for the Smith family from the Ashe family. Love you all so much.
We offer our deepest and sincere condolences to the Smith family in the loss of Joyce. May God continue to comfort and keep you during this difficult time. With sincere love and prayers.
I am sending my deepest condolences to Elder William Smith and Family for the passing of the Beloved Joyce Smith. She will be missed greatly.
Sending my love ❤️ prayers and sympathy to Elder William Smith and Family during the passing of your sister Joyce. She was a beautiful and loving person who will be missed. Praying 🙏 that God will continually comfort and lift you and your family during this time of bereavement. Jesus is Truly a Comforter.
Our heartfelt condolences and prayers are with Elder William Smith and family in the loss of his beloved sister, Joyce Smith. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family during this difficult time. Joyce and the Smiths were like family, we will miss her. Love to you, Elder Smith and family. May The Lord bless you with strength to endure during your time of grief. Love you all.
Elder and Sister Beatrice Brockington
Our deepest condolences to Elder William Smith and family. May God Love and comfort of his Spirit give you and your family peace and strength ahead.
My condolences to the entire Smith family and my church family this one hurts bad I remember the last time we talked was after church when she was in the rehab center and we were so excited to see each other and we laughed and talked she was always full of joy and smiles going to miss my auntie and her warm hugs and bright smile that would light up the room 😭🤍🕊️
Hercules and GwenFelder,Our thoughts and prayers are with and for you in this most difficult time.May the love of God comfort and ease the hurt for you and the family.
God bless this family with your presence. Sending up prayers for the family. Elder Marion Robinson and family.
To Elder Smith and family, please accept our deepest condolences during your time of loss. We pray that the love of God will comfort you and give you peace. Allow the joy of the Lord to be your strength as you encounter the days ahead. Stay encouraged. God Bless, Omar and Johnnie May Ishmal
my condolence to Elder Smith and family you are in our Prayers. The Hawthorne family Charlotte Nc.
To Elder Smith and family. I will be praying for you all that Gods comfort will keep you in this time of loss. Sister Joyce will be missed. Keep the faith!
Joyce and her Mother and Dad were my neighbors.
Joyce was such a great caretaker for her mother and dad.
I will miss talking with her.
So Sorry for your loss. our prayer and condolences to you and your family Elder we love you. We’re asking God to bless you with the strength that you need at this time of loss.
We the Anderson Family give our condolences to Smith Family and pray that god will give you all strength comfort during this difficult times sending hugs and love ❤️ we keep the Family in prayer 🙏🏽
We extend our condolences to Elder Smith and the entire family.
It is so hard to believe that my twin cousin is gone. Father wrap our family in your comforting blanket of peace during this time of loss.
Our deepest condolences to the Smith family. Joyce was a good friend of ours. She organized and catered our small wedding 34 years ago. She will forever be in our hearts.
It is a heavy heart that we express our deepest condolences to Elder William Smith and family! The bless and comfort you and the family: “the Eternal God is our refuge…
Elder George Dennis and family!
Joyce,
Your absence is felt in ways that words cannot fully express. The memories, conversations, laughter, and moments shared remain treasured in my heart. Though you are no longer here, I’m totally BROKEN!!! 💔 💔 💔😭😭😭
Even though my heart is broken, I am grateful for the time we had together. I miss you deeply, and I carry your memory with me FOREVER!!!
Until we meet again, you will always be REMEMBERED, LOVED, and NEVER be forgotten. 😞😞💔💔💔💔😭😭😭😭😭 I will make sure I continue to take care of your brother, my Godfather!!!! 😞😞😞😞💔💔💔💔💔
#imtryingtounderstand
Sending our deepest sympathy and condolences and prayers to the family.
Our heartfelt love & condolences are with the Smith family in the passing of Sister Joyce. We will miss her voice & loving smile. May the peace of Jesus be with you all in days ahead. Love you all.