Joyce Elaine Smith Ward
Joyce Elaine Ward (Smith), 71, of Salem, Virginia left this world early Sunday morning August 8th after a brief illness. She is proceeded in death by her mother Gladys T. Smith and father Richard L. Smith, as well as her siblings Debbie L. Smith, Tammy S. Patram, Richard L. Smith and her partner in crime, Cheryl A. Minnix. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Lisa S. Lindsay and her husband L. Kevin Lindsay of Salem, VA and her ever so cherished grandchildren, Nicholas R. Lindsay of Salem, VA and Kristin A. Lindsay of Richmond, VA. Her rambunctious great-grand kitties Cricket and Peanut will miss the treats and attention of their GiGi. Joyce also leaves behind two sisters, Vickie S. Miles of Scott Depot, WV and Michelle S. Milton of Vinton, VA.
She spent most of her childhood in Southwest, Virginia and as one of seven children, spent most of her life keeping up with her family. Joyce worked as a medical biller for many years, wrapping up her career with Carilion in May 2014. Her retirement provided her with ample opportunity to tend to the flowers in her gardens and spending time with her grandson on a variety of home improvement projects.
Joyce was larger than life and loved her “pretties”; she could always be seen sporting flashy earrings and a patterned or cheetah print infused attire. She could spend hours antiquing and hopping yard sales with her proudest accomplishment, her daughter Lisa, to add to her collections. Her love for dance was unparalleled, and she spent most of her weekends tearing up the floor. From shag, to cha-cha, and all sorts of ballroom styles, she passed that passion on to her granddaughter by teaching her basic steps in the living room and passing down her old dance outfits – the more glitter and gold, the better according to Joyce.
She devoted her free time to showering her family with sass and love, with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and perfect lipstick. Joyce loved a good McDonald’s hamburger and apple pie; she took her grandchildren on Sunday drives well into their teenage years to share in her simple pleasures of the $1 menu delights.
Joyce was fiery and fun, never failing to voice her opinion and delight in advising her family to “Just do their jobs” and live life in a fashion that served them best. We hope she is in heaven, sipping a Dr. Pepper, and that she is smiling at the fact her dance ended on the (5, 6, 7) 8.
A small graveside service for immediate family will be held in Ballangee, WV later this week. Please direct all well wishes and memories to Simpson Funeral Home. Arrangements by Simpson Funeral Home. (540)366-0707
