Joyce Ulmer Smith

Joyce Ulmer Smith, 95 passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday December 19, 2013 after a short illness at the Highland Home in Ridgeland, Ms. Visitation will be Monday December 23 from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at Memory Chapel in Laurel, Ms. Graveside services will be 2 pm at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Rev. Charlie Joe Green will officiate. Joyce was born December 15, 1918. Joyce was born and raised in Neely, Ms in Green County. Joyce was the daughter of the late Abby Elizabeth Green Ulmer and Coleman Ott Ulmer. Joyce was married on November 3, 1944 to John McInnis Smith for 37 years until his death in 1981. Joyce received her education at Jones Junior College, the University of Southern Mississippi, and a Masters of Education at William Carey College. She taught school in the Jones County, Wayne County and George County school systems for over 40 years. She was a longtime resident of Laurel where she taught third grade at Shady Grove School for most of that time. Joyce’s students all remember her with great fondness. In 1985, Joyce moved to Jackson to be near her family. Mamaw Smith’s greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Joyce had a special place in her heart for each of them. Mamaw Smith loved all of them deeply and followed their individual daily lives. Joyce will be missed by her many friends and neighbors especially her daily coffee group. Joyce was a longtime member of Pear Orchard Presbyterian Church and a member of the Lydia Circle. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband John McInnis Smith and her brother Coleman Ott Ulmer Jr. who was killed in World War II in Okinawa. Joyce is survived by her daughter Carolyn Smith McRae and her husband Richard McRae, Jr. Two grandsons Richard McRae, III and his wife Adrienne McRae of Nashville, Davie McRae and his wife Katherine McRae of Jackson, one brother Joe Green Ulmer and wife Nelda Ulmer of Jackson, and one sister Mabel Arnell Ulmer of Jackson. Joyce is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Richard Duncan McRae, IV and Kaylee Irene McRae of Nashville and Madeleine Grace McRae of Jackson. She will be missed by her many loving nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Joyce’s caregivers Anita, Dena, Loraine, Shyanna and especially Annette Sims who has cared for her the last years. In Lieu of flowers the family would request that donations be made in Joyce’s memory to a charity of your choice. Memory Chapel is in charge of services.

Joyce Ulmer Smith

December 15, 1918 - December 19, 2013