Joyce (Bigford) Smith

Joyce Bigford Smith, 92, of Fayetteville passed away on February 10, 2025. She was born on November 18, 1932, to the late Paul and Ruth Bigford and was a lifelong resident of Fayetteville. She was married on June 11, 1949, to R. Bruce Smith, also of Fayetteville.

Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Bruce; her two brothers, Paul and Charles Bigford; and her son-in-law, Wally Savedra. She is survived by her son, Mike Smith and his wife Val, of Fayetteville; and three daughters, Pam Bandurraga and her husband Paul, of North Myrtle Beach; Marsha Faye Rodgers and her husband Jimmy, of Cary; and Paula Savedra of Fayetteville. She is also survived by five grandchildren, Brandon Smith and wife Crystal, Jessica Smith, Josh Horne and wife Heather, Sarah Hughes and husband Nick, and Stephanie Rodgers, as well as seven great grandchildren.

Joyce spent many years as a homemaker and mother, but also was professionally trained and worked as a beautician for more than 30 years. She was a member of Northwood Temple Church for 60 years. During that time, she participated in the adult choir and taught Sunday School classes for both children and adults. She was an active member of the church’s Women’s Ministries where she made many dear and lasting friendships.

During the last seven years of her life Joyce resided at Carolina Highlands Retirement Community. While there she continued to live her life to the fullest and further expanded her circle of friends. She lived a truly good, long life as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and devoted servant to God.

A funeral service is scheduled at Northwood Temple Church, 4250 Ramsey Street, Fayetteville at 12:00 on February 13th, 2025. Interment will follow at LaFayette Cemetery Park. A visitation will precede the funeral service at 10:45-11:45.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Northwood Temple Church.

Online condolences may be sent to www.jerniganwarren.com

Services provided by Jernigan-Warren Funeral Home, 545 Ramsey St., Fayetteville, NC 28301

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