Joyce Yavonne (James) Smith

Joyce James Smith, 85, of Kannapolis, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, June 10, 2023.

Joyce was born on November 21, 1937 in her grandmother’s front bedroom in Cabarrus County. She was a cherished daughter of the late Frank James and Edna Hazel McNeil James. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband Grady Dean Smith and four brothers.

Joyce spent her career working as a weaver in Cannon Mills until they closed. She enjoyed traveling and spending time outdoors watching the hummingbirds. Joyce had a passion for dancing and loved to line dance. She was auxiliary president for VFW Post 8989 in Kannapolis for many years. Joyce also enjoyed working fundraisers for the VFW; selling hamburgers and hotdogs while spending time with her friends. Most of all she loved her family dearly.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Janet Lee Colvard (Randall); Jimmy Dean Smith; Lydia Gail Gibson (Keith), and Pamela Jean Love; sisters, Sylvia Jean Childers, Hazel Elaine Bass, Jody Wingler (Buck); brother, Ricky Lee James (Becky); grandchildren, Nick Colvard (Pamela), Angela Bracey  (Dee), Jamie Lee Dell (P.J), Tonya Gibson (David), and Tommy Gibson (Ashley); brother-in-law, Malcom Smith; Joyce was also blessed with 16 great-grandchildren and 8 great- great- grandchildren. Along with numerous loving nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 9:00 – 10:00 am on Friday, June 16, 2023 at Whitley’s Funeral Home in Kannapolis. Funeral service will begin at 10:00 am with Rev. Chuck Overcash officiating. Burial will immediately follow at West Lawn Memorial Park in China Grove.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Joyce’s memory to Price of Peace Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund- 4225 Vincent St, Kannapolis, NC 28081