Joyce Smith

 Joyce Solomon Smith, 83-years-old, died on Tuesday, May 13, 2014, at her home in Plantation, Florida with loved ones at her side. Joyce suffered a fractured spine in an auto accident 30 years ago. She fought her way back from that injury and vowed to walk again. Through her own dedication to a full recovery and the help and support of The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis she did in fact walk again! Joyce was born on April 3, 1931 in Baltimore, Maryland, to William Solomon and Esther Gordon. Joyce was the youngest of two, she was preceded in death by her mother, father and her sister, Selma. Known for her friendly and caring nature, Joyce was someone who always thought of others and gave back by being involved in a variety of causes in her community. Throughout her many years as an entrepreneur she was passionate about animals, education, scouting, and clothes! She had a keen eye for unique antiques and was known for her collections of kitchen primitives, baskets, oak furniture and pewter. After graduating from Forest Park High School, attending business school and working as a secretary, Joyce married and started her family. She moved to South Florida in the 1950’s and was a housewife and community volunteer. She spent time at the beach with her children, served as a "Pink Lady" at Memorial Hospital in Hollywood and was also a Girl Scout leader. In the 1960’s Joyce moved with her husband and children to Freeport in the Grand Bahamas. This was quite an adventure for her family. While living in Freeport, Joyce became the proud owner of The Pet Pagoda where she sold puppies, kittens and other small pets as well as provided boarding and grooming services. Upon her return to Florida Joyce and her daughters settled back into Hollywood and she picked up with the friendships she had left behind. She made some new friends when she took up tennis and joined the Tennis Club at David Park. One of her tennis partners would become her husband after a few games scoring "love". Joyce and Gene were married in October 1972 and spent many weekends working in their garden, going antiquing and traveling the world. She worked in a variety of jobs before opening a boutique for women known as The Clothes Basket. While styling her clients with the latest in fashion, Joyce made many long term friends. Joyce sold The Clothes Basket in anticipation of Gene’s retirement, but that was put on hold for a while, so Joyce could work on her rehabilitation after her accident. In September 2002 Gene and Joyce went on the trip of a lifetime to Africa. They loved visiting the animal preserves, admiring the scenery, and patiently waiting for that Kodak moment. They celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary there and were thrilled with the intimate dinner and cake the staff presented them with. The Smiths moved to Plantation in 2005 and Gene retired shortly after. They spent their time enjoying the quieter life and making new friends. Gene was a master basket weaver and wood craftsman, even sharing his skills with their neighbors by teaching classes. After all the years that Joyce took care of her loving husband, there became a time where the roles had reversed. Gene cared for Joyce, even cooking and cleaning the house, carefully following her instructions including, "Don’t forget to wipe your feet!" Her surviving family members are numerous, but mainly include: Mother of 3 daughters: Ellyn Smith, Wendy Bellack, and Luanne Betz. Step-mother to: Sheryl Craig, Carol Reid, and Rick Smith. Grandmother to: Steven Bellack, Jill Bellack, Tyler Raszick, Landen Raszick, Gus Craig, Justin Craig, Ryan Mills, Dustin Mills, Chance Reid, Austin Smith, and Ricky Smith A Memorial Service will be celebrated Saturday, May 17, 2014 at 12:00 Noon. The family will receive friends from 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM at the T.M. Ralph Funeral Home Sawgrass/ Weston 371 NW 136 Ave Sunrise, FL 33325. A graveside urn interment will take place in the future at South Florida VA Cemetery in Lake Worth, Florida. In Lieu of flowers - donations may be made in Joyce's memory toThe Family Network on Disabilities P.O. Box 260909 Pembroke Pines, FL 33026 or The Joyce Smith Scholarship Fund  The Hollywood FloridaScholarship Foundation Inc.PO BOX 817616Hollywood, FL 33081Cremation arrangements by T. M. Ralph Funeral Home Sawgrass/Weston 954-587-6888 tmralph.com