Joyce Ella Harris Smith died peacefully in her home on September 12, 2019. Born in 1931, to Alta Lewis Harris and Ezra Harris, she attended Cole Elementary School and graduated from Sumner High School. Smith attended Lincoln University in Jefferson City, Missouri, before returning to St. Louis with her husband, James Irving Smith, Jr. to begin their family. She loved people and all living things, plants and animals. Smith was a devoted stay-at-home mother to her six children and a loving presence to her grandchildren; she was an avid cook and gardener and, in her youth, a swimmer. She loved all children and her home was often the center of activity for her children and grandchildren and their friends. Smith was a good neighbor and loving and compassionate mentor to young women and mothers who regularly sought her out for support and counsel. Her husband remained her sweetheart for all of her life. She was a person of deep faith. Her son, Seitu James Irving Smith, III, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband and five children, Dale Edwyna Smith, Karen Smith Pitts, Guy Smith, Jabari Asim, and Boyce Smith; and twelve grandchildren. She is lovingly remembered for her joyfulness, devotion to family and warm welcoming spirit to all.
