Obituary of Joyce Ellen Smith

Joyce Ellen Smith, 85, of St. Pete Beach passed away March 15, 2024. She was recovering from surgery and had a heart attack. She was born to her late parents William and Marguerite Hettel April 13, 1938 in Jersey City, New Jersey. Joyce was an Eastern Star member and graduated from St Petersburg College with a degree in Social Work. Joyce lived happily with her true love, best friend, and husband, Robert Smith for 62 years until his passing in 2019. She devoted her long life to the service of helping others. The City of St. Petersburg acknowledged her hard work by naming her Woman of the Year for her exemplary work as a social worker. She was a dedicated Social Service Director for John Knox and retired in 2006. Joyce touched a countless number of people and made their lives better. Joyce was an extraordinary mother who instilled in her children empathy, kindness, and the desire to make the world a better place for all mankind. She is survived by her three children, Robert Smith of Pinellas Park, Marjorie Wikoff of St. Pete Beach, and Joy Smith of Big Pine Key, her 4 grandchildren: Brennen Smith, Krystyn Wikoff, Dustin Wikoff, and Summer Smith, her great-grandchild Robert James Smith, and other relatives and friends.

Memorial service will be held at Pass-a-Grille Beach Community Church on April 5th at 11 am.