Joyce Branch Smith, 92, of Morganton, NC is now walking with Jesus starting Friday, August 8, 2025.
Born in Burke County, NC on June 20, 1933, she was the daughter of the late John Alexander Branch and Florence Bell Branch. Joyce was a member of Snow Hill Church where she was a member of the choir and played the piano when she was younger. She also sang with her sisters, Grace and Sadie; they were known as the Branch Sisters. Joyce enjoyed reading, working puzzles, and watching her stories. Joyce was passionate about children and kept many throughout her earlier years. To those she cared for, she was affectionately known as “Mama Joyce.”
Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Brian Keith Smith (Carolyn); stepdaughter, Brenda Smith Moses (Jim); granddaughter, Amanda Smith Allman (Ben); great-granddaughters, Lydia Nicole Allman and Delia Mae Allman; step-grandchildren, Rick Moses, Tony Moses, and Tammy Williams; several step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Conley Lee Smith; daughter, Mary Lynn Smith; granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Smith Brown; great-granddaughter, Madison Nicole Brown; brothers, Paul Branch and William “Bill” Branch; and sisters, Carrie Quick, Grace Powell, Sadie McDaniels, and Princess Whisenant.
The graveside service will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at Snow Hill Church Cemetery. The family will greet friends following the service.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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It was my pleasure to know Joyce prayers for you family and the days ahead look to HIM for comfort and guidance
R.I.P. Great Aunt Joyce a beautiful soul and caring person loved by so many. Will be deeply missed! Love you always and forever!!!
Joyce was a lifelong neighbor and family friend who was always a blessing. When my son came along she became “Mamaw Joyce” in our family. She cared for my son from 6 weeks old until he went to school. She and Papaw Con were at every birthday party and loved us like we were their very own children and grandchildren. God certainly placed an angel on earth when He made Joyce. She loved her family, extended family, and adopted family fiercely. I praise God that she was an influence in my life. Prayers going up for all of the family.
It was a absolute pleasure and privilege to be one of the cnas who took take of Joyce. She was always smiling and never stopped. Joyce was a very sweet woman and I always looked forward to working on her hall. When I would do the med passes she never left my side at the cart. I would talk to her when I was preparing the meds and she would be right by the cart when I came back. Truly sorry for your loss as it is a big loss to Autumn Care as well she touched so many lives in the building. Work will never be the same without her out in the hall vooming around in her chair.
