Sister Joyce Marie (Johnson) Smith

Joyce Marie Smith was born December 18, 1951 to Willie Johnson, Jr. and Maggie Drone Holland in Little Rock, AR. She was the fourth born child out of 10 children. She attended public schools in the Little Rock area, including Dunbar Jr. High School, and later earned her GED. In 1986, she obtained an Associate Degree in Business Computer Programming from Southern Technical College. Additionally, in 1996, she completed her Real Estate certification. Joyce married Mr. Richard Neasley, Sr. on February 25, 1968. Together, they were blessed with four children: Richard Jr., Cindy, Sonya, and the late Tamica. This union was later dissolved. In 1976, Joyce met the love of her life – Mr. Michael U. Smith, Sr. at UAMS hospital where they both worked. They were married on November 13, 1976. Michael proudly took on the role of father to her then three children. Michael and Joyce soon added to their family as the Lord blessed them with three more children: Michael Jr., Dexter, and Jerel. Joyce lived a profound life of devotion and worship unto God. She was baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus by the late Bishop Leodies Warren as a youth. She later received the Holy Ghost in 1973. She remained steadfast in her faith throughout her life and retained a firm standard of holiness. For much of her life, Joyce was a dedicated member of the Greater Christ Temple Church in Little Rock where she sang in the choir and served diligently wherever she was needed. Recently, she became a frequent visitor and supporter of the Tear Down the Walls Apostolic Church in Little Rock, under the leadership of Pastor Darrell Boyd. Joyce had a lifelong passion for helping others, opening her home to many children and adults throughout her life. Inspired by Psalm 84, God gave her a vision for The House of Baca, a transitional house for women in need. The psalmist speaks of finding strength in God and transforming adversity into blessing, a principle that guided Joyce's mission. The ministry's theme, "From Beneath, to Above & Beyond," encapsulated her commitment to uplifting broken women and helping them rebuild their lives. To know Joyce was to love her. She was a perfect mix of loving gentleness and a no-nonsense attitude. She was known for her infectious smile, affectionate kisses, and the way only she could say, “hunneh.” She adored her family tremendously and almost always had an encouraging word to give along with a big hug for her loved ones. Joyce loved to shop. She described it as therapeutic and would often say that just couldn’t help herself. She filled houses with trinkets from her frequent shopping adventures and finds. Perhaps Joyce’s most infamous quality was her gift as an extraordinary cook. She and her sister Ann were often called upon to serve the church, her family, and friends with their superior culinary skills. Joyce’s cooking was truly top tier and she believed in getting quality ingredients to give her dishes her signature flair. She would encourage inquirers to use “real butter” in their dishes. Countless family members, church members, friends, and visitors were blessed to partake in her gifted creations and undoubtedly left happy, full, and eagerly anticipating the next event! Joyce responded to Heaven’s call and departed this life peacefully on Thursday, May 23, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie Johnson, Sr., and Maggie Drone Holland; her stepfather George Holland Sr.; her daughter, Tamica Neasley; one brother, Darrell Holland Sr.; two sisters, Diane Johnson, and Clara Minor. Left to cherish loving memories of Joyce are: her devoted husband of over 47 years, Elder Micheal Smith Sr. of Little Rock, AR; four sons: Richard (Kimberly) Neasley, Michael Smith, Jr., Jerel Smith, all of Little Rock, AR, and Dexter (Trellis) Smith of McKinney, TX; two daughters: Cindy Woods of Denton, TX, and Sonya (Moses) Chism of Plano, TX; eighteen grandchildren: Shakeira Woods, Richard Neasley, Moses Chism III, Benjamin Woods, Karissa (Dashon) Cain, Kyren Neasley, Malekiah Chism, Rashod Neasley, Emmanuel Chism, Sariah Woods, Kalani Neasley, Micah Smith, Chanse Smith, Aniyah Smith, Kambree Neasley, Jaxson Smith, Alyssa Smith, & Mason Smith; one great grandchild; Myla Cain; four brothers: Robert (Georgia) Johnson; Elder Cleaster (Tanya) Johnson; Harold Holland, and George Holland; five sisters: Evangelist Mary Ann Buckley, Iola Mae (Ronald) Allen, Evangelist Cynthia (Darren) Robinson, Carolyn Johnson, and Brenda (Earnest) Thomas; a stepmother, Yvonne Johnson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, extended family and friends. In honor of this phenomenally precious gift from God to those who knew her, we celebrate a life beautifully lived. Her unwavering faith, boundless love, and enduring legacy of service will continue to inspire us and generations to come.

Sister Joyce Marie (Johnson) Smith

December 18, 1951 - May 23, 2024