Joyce Ann Smiley

joyce smiley

Joyce Ann Smiley, 62 departed this life on Saturday, March 19, 2016 in Montgomery, Alabama. She was born on September 22, 1953 to Alberta Wilson and Cornelius Jarnigan. Joyce was affectionately known as “Ann” by her loved ones and friends.

Ann spent her childhood in Muncie Indiana before her family relocated to Peru, Indiana, where she attended Peru High School. After high school she joined the Air Force. Ann had a long career in the Military Reserve where she retired as a Disaster Preparedness Specialist. After retiring from the Military she continued in several Civil Service positions. She fully retired in 2014 from the VA Hospital located in Montgomery, Alabama working as a Patient Advocate. During her career she received numerous awards and praise for her hard work and dedication. Ann was also an ambitious entrepreneur who owned and operated several businesses.

Joyce Ann was a giving and loving soul. She helped so many people throughout her life with no expectation of anything in return. She rarely turned down the opportunity to help anyone. Her heart was big and the doors to her home were always open to those who needed her. Joyce enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and traveling.

She leaves to cherish her memory her mother Alberta Wilson, two (2) daughters, Keshia (Joseph) Cooper, Cornelia (Willie) Robinson, 4 grandchildren; Quentin Cooper, Joshua Cooper, McKenzie Smith and William Robinson. One (1) sister Gloria (Billy) Spearman, one (1) Brother Charles Jarnigan. Nine (9) nieces and nephews: Sharon, Wanda, Billy, Deborah, Lisa, Vevie, Charles, Don, Oka and a host of cousins and other relatives. She is preceded in death by her father Cornelius Jarnigan and step-father Richard Wilson, one (1) brother Arthur Jarnigan and two (2) sisters; Dorothy Sykes and Diane Hatcher.

Friends may call from 10:00 am till time of service at 1:00 PM Saturday at the Peru First Christian Church, with Pastor E.J. Lacy officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Miami County Military Rites Unit.

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