Wanda Joyce Smith

Wanda Joyce Smith, known to all her family and friends as Joycie, was born on October 10, 1950, in DeRidder, Louisiana. She left this world on November 7, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.

Joycie was a warm-hearted soul who loved everyone and was truly loved by all in return. With her big, beautiful eyes and a spirit that lit up every room, she made friends wherever she went, never meeting a stranger. Joycie had a deep love for her church and the community around her. She lived with her beloved sister Judy after the passing of their mother, and Judy often referred to her as her "beautiful big-eyed girl." With all her heart, Judy would say Joycie was her "forever and always sister."

Throughout her life, Joycie played a special role as a friend and playmate to her nieces and nephews across four generations. She delighted in their laughter and cherished the moments they shared, often reminding them with her favorite quote, "Smile, God loves You," which she lovingly signed in her cards and notes.

Joycie is survived by her loving sisters, Jennie Willard Allen and William of Stockbridge, GA, Judy Sanders and Eddie of DeRidder, LA and Janice Alston and James of DeRidder, LA, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends who will carry her memory in their hearts forever.

Joycie is preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Wilma Smith; sister, Jimmie Lea Hickman; brothers-in-law, Webster "Buddy" Hickman, James "Jimmy" Seal and Frank Willard.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joycie's life during a public viewing at Myers Colonial Funeral Home on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A funeral service will take place at Grabow United Pentecostal Church on Sunday, November 9, 2025, at 2:00 PM, followed by her burial at Old Cypress Cemetery in Rosepine, LA. Brother Zale Lewis and Brother Kenneth Gibson will officiate the service. Brother Bobby Phantz will sing, and pallbearers will be family and friends.

Joycie may have left this world, but her spirit of kindness and love will forever be felt in the hearts of those she touched.