M. Smith

M. Joyce Smith, who loved playing golf and being a wife, mom, grandmother and great-grandmother, passed away on August 2, at the age of 88.

Born December 16, 1929 in Central Lake, to Orrin and Anna Lathrop, Joyce was known for her selfless devotion to family, sweet personality, sharp intellect, flair for fashionable dressing and her passion for her bulldogs.

Joyce’s late husband of 70 years, Don Smith, was a long-time coach and school superintendent in Bellaire Public Schools. Over the years, they owned and operated the Bel-Aire Golf Club and The Farm Golf Club, as well as two out of state courses.

She was Past Matron of The Eastern Star and a member of the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church.

Joyce is survived by her sons Bryan (Shelley), Phil (former daughter-in-law Carol Sharp), Michael, and Brad (Amy J.) Smith. She also leaves grandchildren Jeffery Smith, Jamie Staton (Tony); Bradford and Zach Smith; Aris and Gabrielle Morgan; Todd (Annette) and Ray (Becky) Tompkins; as well as great-grandchildren Sam and Haley Staton; Sarah and Luke Smith; Taylor, Todd, Jr., Tesa, Cadence, Bradyn and Axe Tompkins.  She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Dr. Robert Lathrop.

A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 29th at 11 a.m. at the Bellaire Community United Methodist Church.  In lieu of flowers the family requests that gifts be made to the Bellaire Community UMC children's ministry, PO BOX 235, Bellaire, MI 49615.

Arrangements have been handled by the Bellaire Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes.  Please sign her online guestbook www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.