Joyce Smith England

Joyce Smith England, 85, of Ashland died peacefully at her home January 18 with loving family at her side.
Joyce was born June 10, 1937, the first of five children of Orville and Mae Smith, both of whom preceded her in death.
She is survived by the love of her life, Jimmy England. Their marriage encompassed an incredible 64 years of loving dedication to each other, their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, their church and to their abiding faith.
Joyce graduated from Ashland High School in 1955 and went on to receive a degree in home economics from Eastern Kentucky University. She was a home economist for Kentucky Power and taught adult sewing classes through the vocational school. Joyce was a master seamstress who made her own wedding dress as well as those for her sister, daughter-in-law and daughters.
As the mother of Jennifer, Jeff and Jodi, she was active in PTA organizations and made uniforms for Blazer High School band activities. She was very active in Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts; Joyce and Jim instilled in their children a commitment to serve others, which they carry on today with their own careers and activities.
Joyce was a longtime member of Centenary United Methodist Church, serving on various committees, women's ministry and spending many hours in the church kitchen. She also sewed beautiful vestments for the church.
She was a member of square dancing clubs, Arky Stars and Whirlaways, making all her fun dresses as well as matching attire for Jim. She was co-owner of J&J Travel, leading tours for senior travelers.
In addition to Jim, surviving to celebrate Joyce's life are her children: Jennifer (Mike) Osborne of Dayton, KY; Jeff (Lisa) England of Ashland; and Jodi (Perry) Lipker of Hilliard, OH. She is also survived by grandchildren Kevin (Stephannie) England of New Orleans, LA; Daniel (Courtney) Osborne of Ludlow, KY; Katie Osborne of Dayton, KY; and Leo Lipker of Hilliard, OH. Her great grandchildren are Grant, Adley, Levi and Wyatt.
Joyce was affectionately known as "Sis" not only to her siblings but to many others. Surviving: brothers Orville "Arb" (Joyce) Smith of Ashland, Ken (Kay) Smith of Russell, Melvin (Teresa) Smith of Ashland and sister Judy (Mike) Goldring of Louisville.
Also surviving are members of a large and loving family including nieces and nephews Robin, Steve, Nathan, Amy, Matt, Stuart, Neil, Jessica, Nick and Ross; and cousins Chuck Rist, Nancy Dunlap, Karen Snodgrass, Phyllis Coulter and Pam Stamper.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Steen Funeral Home-Central Avenue Chapel and will be officiated by Pastor Troy Poff and Dr. Farley Stuart III. Entombment will follow in Rose Hill Burial Park Mausoleum. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 5:00-7:00 PM and on Monday morning from 10:00 AM until service time at 11:00 AM.
Contributions may be made in her memory to Hillcrest Bruce Mission, 1819 Eloise Street, Ashland, KY, 41101, Community Hospice, 1480 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101 or to CornerStone Methodist Church, 2203 29th Street, Ashland, KY 41101.
Online condolences may be made to www.steenfuneralhome.com

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