Joyce Anne Turlington Kiser Smith

Joyce Anne Turlington Kiser Smith, 88, passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, at Arbor Acres UMC Retirement Community surrounded by family after a period of declining health. She was born on October 21, 1935, in Fayetteville, NC, the daughter of Charles Wesley and Annie (Owen) Turlington.

Preceding her in death were her parents, and husbands, Franklin Lewis Kiser and Wilbur Ritchie Smith, Jr. and her stepson, Mark Anderson Smith. Joyce is survived by her two daughters, Elizabeth “Beth” Anne Kiser Prevatte and husband, Todd of Aberdeen, NC, and Mary Turlington Kiser Kiger of Winston-Salem, NC; son, Franklin David Kiser of Riverview, FL; 4 grandchildren, Heather, Evan, Andrew, and Mary Katherine; and her 2 great grandsons, Walker, and Lincoln. She is also survived by her “Bonus Children”: Wilbur Ritchie Smith, III. And wife, Maylene, Victoria Smith Bryan and husband, Mac, Allen David Smith and wife, Kimberly, and Michael Kennedy Smith; her 19 “Bonus Grandchildren” and 11 “Bonus Great Grandchildren”.

Joyce was a 1953 graduate of Fayetteville High School (currently, Terry Sanford H.S.). She attended the Woman’s College of the UNC (currently, UNC-G) and earned a B.A. in Business Administration. Following college, she resided in Charlotte, NC, where she was employed by the FBI, Charlotte Observer, and First Union National Bank.

Joyce married Franklin Kiser in 1963, returned to her hometown, and was a homemaker until 1981 when she bravely reentered the workforce at Smith & Dickey Law Firm. She retired in 1997.

Joyce was a lifelong active member of Hay Street UMC, participating in the Chancel Choir, volunteering in elementary schools, and leading the Altar Guild. She resided in Fayetteville until 2021 when she moved to Winston-Salem, NC, to live at Arbor Acres UMC Retirement Community where she lived a full, active, and happy life.

Joyce lived an exemplary life with kindness and grace, even as her health declined. She provided loving guidance to her children set by her example and not by harsh words.

“Bonus Daughter”, Vickie: “The Smith-Kiser clan lost a wonderful lady. Our families were joined together in 1995 when Joyce married our father, Ritchie Smith. However, she has been part of our lives for as long as I can remember. Best friends with our mother since elementary school, Joyce lost her husband to cancer in 1993 just months before losing said lifelong friend (also to cancer). My father used to say, “Joyce knew my crazy, mixed-up family and married me anyway!” (Truer words were never spoken). They had the most amazing life together for over 25 years! “

“Joyce was one of the strongest people I’ve ever known. She loved her family fiercely and was there for birthdays, graduations, Christmases, and all the get-togethers in-between. Joyce loved us all, but she especially rejoiced in every grandchild and great grandchild. As my father would say, “Joyce Anne- she’s one of the good guys”. Our hearts are broken but we rejoice in knowing that she is reunited with all her loved ones who went before her. We raise a glass of wine in her memory! Fly high G-Mama-J, we love you!”

“Bonus Granddaughter”, Carolyn: “Yesterday we lost an amazing woman. First let me say that Joyce Smith was 100% my grandmother. It is incredibly sad to think that I lost my maternal grandmother so young, but I am so lucky Joyce has been my grandmother since I was 6 years old. It’s hard to believe that someone could know so much about our family and would be willing to join it! I watched her laugh at my grandfather’s ridiculous sense of humor (often with just a smirk and a shake of her head) and indulge him in his love of taking sample sizes of thigs EVERYWHERRE they went. I also watched her protect him when he was being taken advantage of (which happens easily to someone who is so giving) and teach us all how to set healthy boundaries. Nack and Joyce loved traveling, supporting their kids and grandkids, and always showed up to our events. She showed me the value of sitting quietly and taking it all in and sharing her honest opinion when she was asked or when the situation warranted it. Joyce showed us all constant, endless support and for that we are forever grateful. She was funny, opinionated, strong and smart. For all these reasons and so many more, her presence in our family will remain forever.”

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 15, 2023, at Hay Street UMC in Fayetteville, NC at 11 AM immediately followed by a graveside service at Cross Creek Cemetery #3. Family will receive friends prior to the service at 10 AM in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Hay Street UMC, 320 Hay St Fayetteville, NC 28301 or to Arbor Acres Employee Emergency Fund, 1240 Arbor Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27104.

The family would like to thank the staff of Arbor Acres (Asbury Place, Strickland, and Arborview) for all the love, care, and patience they demonstrated; Dr. Michael Morgan and the staff of Forsyth Infectious Disease and Dr. Jason Thomason and the staff of Salem Chest Specialists for their love, care, and expertise which extended Joyce’s years and the quality of her life.

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