Joyce Smith

Joyce E. Smith of Nashville, TN was welcomed into her heavenly home August 8, 2021 at age 88. Joyce was born in 1933 in Bristol, TN to Ralph and Ethel McCray. She was the only girl and raised with three older brothers who were taught the true meaning of faith, hope and charity. Her parents were pillars of their community in every way.

Joyce was a pianist for Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church from age 14 – 19 where she played for every service and was also very involved in bible school.

At age 19 Joyce married Ralph Smith residing in Maryland, Connecticut and then moved to Tennessee where they raised their two children Steven and Cynthia.  They were members of Park Avenue Baptist Church where she enjoyed participating in the choir for many years.

A special achievement in Joyce’s life was having a published record, although she never became a star, she found it rewarding to appear on television and have her song played on the radio across the country. She had a career in bookkeeping and secretarial work, but her proudest accomplishment was as a data processor with St. Thomas Medical Group for 20 years until her retirement.

She is proceeded in death by her parents Ethel and Ralph McCray, brothers William and Jimmy McCray, father of her children Ralph Smith, grandchildren Nathan Morgan, and Dustin Wade; great grandchildren Nathan “Na-Na” Morgan Jr. and William Wade; and her canine companion Rocky.

Joyce is survived by her brothers Richard McCray (Florence), John McCray, her children Steven Ralph McCray Smith (Sara), Cynthia Wade (Roger); grandchildren Shelley Coole and Sean McCracken; great-grandchildren Cason Coole, Charlotte Rose Coole, Finley James Coole, Tommy Lee Morgan, Carlie Wade; and great-great grandchild Tommy Lee Morgan Jr.