Obituary of Joyce Ann Smith

Joyce Ann Patterson was born in Monroe, Michigan on October 13, 1953. She was one of four children and the only daughter born to Kenneth and Ruth (Uckley) Patterson. Joyce attended Summerfield High School, graduating with the Class of 1972.

On February 28, 1986, Joyce wed Lawrence Edward Smith in Toledo, Ohio. The couple enjoyed eleven years of marriage and were blessed with a daughter, Tia. Joyce was a longtime employee of the McDonald’s restaurant in Dundee, Michigan. She retired in 2015 after fifteen years of service.

Joyce had an incredible sense of recall, making sure to never miss anyone’s birthday.  Even as she dealt with her own health struggles her mind remained very sharp.   Joyce could quickly solve a Rubik’s Cube and excelled at completing jigsaw puzzles. She was an excellent cook, never shying away from using dairy in her recipes. Her specialty, mostaccioli, was piled high with cheese and she was sure to keep a cold bottle of chocolate milk in the refrigerator.   She enjoyed watching true crime television shows and never missed her daily Soaps: “Days of Our Lives”, “General Hospital”, and “Dallas”. She often kept up on the latest drama by perusing through the pages of “Soap Opera Digest”.

Joyce enjoyed spending her summer months tending to her flower garden, walking through the neighborhood, and sitting outside sipping on a Pepsi to enjoy the sunshine.  Always the prankster, Joyce was well-known for her great sense of humor.  Joyce relished her role as the neighborhood mom and loved nothing more than spending time with her family and friends. 

Joyce Ann Smith, age 69, of Dundee, Michigan, passed away peacefully at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital on Thursday; January 26, 2023. Her passing was preceded by her parents; beloved husband: Lawrence Smith in 1997; and a brother: David Patterson in 2021.

To cherish her memory, she leaves her daughter: Tia Smith of Dundee; two brothers: Richard Patterson (Richard King) of Graham, Washington and Gary (Sharyl) Patterson of Houghton Lake, Michigan; one aunt: Luella Ciacelli; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and mother-in-law; and canine companion: “Hunter”, a Black Lab whom the family adopted as a puppy.

Friends may gather on Monday; January 30, 2023 at UA Plumbers and Pipefitters Local 671; 309 Detroit Avenue, Monroe, Michigan 48162 where a Celebration of Joyce’s Life will begin at 12:00pm followed by a luncheon until 3:00pm.  Joyce’s care has been entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. Cremation has taken place the on-site crematory, Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan.

Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.