Joyce Mildred Smith passed away on January 5, 2021 at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital in Hood River, Oregon. Joyce was born on July 9, 1937 and was 83 years of age at the time of her passing.
A private graveside committal service is planned for immediate family but will be livestreamed for all to be a part of at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 29th, 2021 - to access webcast go to Joyce's webpage at www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com. A public celebration of life service for friends and family will be this summer.
Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations) 1401 Belmont Avenue, Hood River, Oregon 97031.
Visit www.AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.
OBITUARY of Love for:
Joyce Mildred Smith (Prewitt) residing with her daughter & son-in-law @ 3040 Thomsen Rd, Hood River, OR, passed into the presence of the Saviour Jesus Christ whom she loved & served with her whole life on January 5, 2021 at 12 noon. She passed at Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital, her daughter Brenda at her side.
Joyce was born to James Franklin Prewitt and Catherine Mildred Prewitt (Hannah) on July 9, 1937 in Anaheim, CA.
Joyce was the eldest of 3 children, which included sister Grace Lavon Sevener (Prewitt) of South Carolina (living) and younger brother James Franklin Prewitt Jr. of Alaska. (deseased)
While Joyce’s father Dr. J.F. Prewitt was one of the founders of Western Baptist Bible College in El Cerrito, Ca, (Now currently named Corban University in Salem, OR) Joyce, while still in high school, would often accompany her parents to various college functions. It is there that she caught the eyes of a young sophomore Roger A. Smith, and the two were married on the steps of the new college sometime later on August 24, 1956. The young couple desired to go into full time ministry in serving the Lord they loved and their life was dedicated to Pastoring the churches and congregations that God placed under their care.
Beginning their lives in both youth & associate pastorships, their first daughter Brenda G. Thompson (Smith) was born in Richmond, CA July 30, 1957, followed by their first son Ronald A. Smith in Escondido, CA on January 18, 1960. A 3rd child, a son Bryan L. Smith was born in Turlock, CA on April 30, 1965. While Roger & Joyce enjoyed their first full time Pastorate at Campton Heights Baptist Church in Fortuna, CA, their last child, a daughter Beth L. Bonnifield (Smith) was born August 9, 1969.
Joyce was a servant…a truly beautiful woman whos loved poured upon everyone she encountered. God most definitely fashioned her to be more concerned about others than herself as she gave her life to her husband, children and congregants. Her beautiful singing voice and ability to play the piano & organ, blessed the weekly church services and the family home was ALWAYS filled with music! From lovely sacred hymns, to Don Ho Hawaiian songs, Sound of Music and other movie themes, to all the Lawrence Welk Christmas jingles! We can all picture mom’s feet a’dancin’ on the peddles of her organ as we marveled how she could make both hands and feet coordinate in beautiful chords together! She did give all her children a deep affection & appreciation for all types of music, but alas her endeavors to teach all of us piano, never really took! Other instruments surfaced through the years amongst us though.
She was a housewife extraordinaire! In addition to keeping an immaculate house she provided delicious meals on a shoe-string budget, and she could sew and crochet like a professional! Her crocheted tablecloths, doilies and doll clothes live on in memory of her within our families, and are heirlooms to be cherished.
Joyce was a loved Pastor’s wife who took meals to ailing members, often having people over for an afternoon meal after Sunday morning service and always preparing the church bulletins & music to be sung by the congregation. She prayed for her loved people and was an evangelist at heart. Her truest desire was for people to know and love Jesus Christ and her nearest neighbors knew her well as she often reached out in inviting them to church and caring deeply for the elderly among them. She followed her husband lovingly to wherever the Lord led them through the years to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. And the Lord gave them incredibly beautiful places in which to both minister and live, from Mammoth Lakes, CA, to Alaska, to Joseph, OR, to Cannon Beach!
As Joyce’s health began to decline, her prayer life increased all the more! We all saw her lovely body suffer with grace and humility, but all the while praying, praying that the Lord would capture the hearts of every family member for the kingdom of Christ and the furthering of the gospel to be handed down to each child!
She ended her final years here in Hood River, OR with her husband Roger Smith, attending Faith Bible Church with daughter Brenda & son-in-law Steve Thompson and made many treasured friendships there as people fell in love with her sweet smile and graciousness. Because she was a true “Pastor’s Wife” she loved to talk with her son-in-law about his role as elder in the church, his passions for discipleship and where the leadership was leading in doctrine & theology. She was ALWAYS a reader, student of the Word of God.
Hers was a life lived simply and full of “joy” over others as her name Joyce so exemplified…fully lived despite physical impairments, sufferings and disappointments, following in her Lord’s footsteps, striving to be like Him and giving us all a legacy of faith in Christ, love of family and devotion to others. Physically impaired, in pain and almost handicapped for much of her life, she never questioned her Sovereign God, knowing it gave her many opportunities to meet people and speak of Christ.
So on January 5th, at 12 noon, her beautiful blue eyes closed as her pilgrimage in this life was complete and she heard “Well done my good & faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Master!”
To you Joyce, our mom, you’re imbedded in our DNA, but more importantly in our hearts! We simply adore you and will treasure you always….Grateful for the One who placed us under your care. Til we hold you close in glory, we rest, knowing “You’re Finally Home!”
Joyce’s much loved husband Roger A. Smith, preceded her in death by 7 months. She is survived by:
Her sister: Grace Sevener & husband Harold Sevener of S. Carolina
4 Children:
Brenda Thompson (Smith) & husband Steve Thompson of Hood River, OR
Ron Smith & wife Teresa Smith of Yakima WA
Bryan Smith & wife Amy Smith of Chevy Chase, MD
Beth Bonnifield (Smith) & husband Todd Bonnifield of Camano Island, WA
14 Grandchildren: 11 Great-Grandchildren
Shauntel Swanson (Thompson) of WA Major Thompson
Justin Thompson of CA Tate Swanson
Briana Smith (Thompson) of MS Rory Bohannon
Jordan Thompson of FRANCE Nolan Bonnifield
Jocelynn Bohannon (Smith) of WA Addison Bonnifield
Ethan Smith of WA Ethan Bonnifield
Cameron Smith of WA Olivia Bonnifield
McKenzie Smith of GA Mason Bonnifield
Kendall Smith of MD Baker Bonnifield
Jay Bonnifield of WA Ian Walsh
Trevan Bonnifield of WA Teigan Walsh
Lynnaea Walsh (Bonnifield) of NV (+1 to come)
Haley Bonnifield of WA
Peyton Bonnifield of WA