Joyce Blackburn Smith, age 79, of Wallace died Thursday, March 13, 2008 at New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.

Mrs. Smith was born November 23, 1928 in Sampson County and was the daughter of the late Claude and Nancy Boone Blackburn. She was predeceased by her son, Danny Smith, sisters, Geneva Atkinson, Minnie Bell Croom and Dorothy Marley and brothers, Wilbert Blackburn, Amos Blackburn, David Blackburn and Harold Blackburn.

She was a member of Poston Baptist Church.

Surviving are her loving and devoted husband of sixty-four years, Wilbert Smith of the home; daughters, Sandra Smith Wheeler and husband, Jimmy of Harrells, Pam Smith Shepard and husband, Roger of Wallace; daughter-in-law, Carol Smith of Kenansville; grandchildren, Michael Glenn Wheeler, Ray Wheeler, Karen Smith McGee and husband, Keith, Stephen Smith, Sammy Shepard and wife, Dana, Rodney Shepard and Rhonda Northcott and husband, Chris; seven great grandchildren; sister, Martha Hudson and husband, Thomas of Harrells and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home Wallace Chapel with the Reverend Byron Murray and the Rev. Dustin Gillespie officiating.

Burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park, Watha.

Casketbearers will be Michael Glenn Wheeler, Ray Wheeler, Stephen Smith, Sammy Shepard, Rodney Shepard, Keith McGee, Chris Northcott and Drew Wheeler.

The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Saturday at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wallace and other times at the Smith residence.

Mrs. Smith was wonderful wife and loving mother, grandmother and sister. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.