Joyce Smith

Joyce Annett Taylor Smith, 77 years old of Russellville, Al passed away on Sunday, February
12, 2023. Visitation will be Sunday, February 19, 2023, 1:00 – 3:00 pm at Akins Funeral Home
Chapel Russellville, AL. Funeral services will be Sunday, February 19, 2023 at 3:00 pm in the
Chapel of Akins Funeral Home. Officiating will be son-in-laws Marlon Rutherford and Jeff
Hargett. Burial will be in Franklin Memory Garden. She was born on January 17, 1946 in
Franklin County Alabama. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years Thomas
Nolen Smith. Her father Gilbert E. Taylor and her mother Bennie (Moore) Taylor. Her siblings
Marvin Oneal Taylor, Gilbert Junior Taylor, Sparkie Gene Taylor, Tommie Farice Taylor and
Betty Elizabeth Taylor McCaig. Joyce is survived by her daughters Annette Hargett (Jeff),
Debbie Rutherford (Marlon), and Bridgett Smith. Her brother Billy Ray Taylor. Grandchildren
Spencer Hargett (Danielle), Darby Hargett, Tatyana Swinea (Thomas), Katya Rutherford, Ansley
Tate, Alayna Tate, and Isabella Tate. Great Grandchildren Sylvia Joy Swinea and a host of
loving nieces and nephews. Pallbearers Spencer Hargett and Thomas Swinea and her nephews
Dennie Taylor, Dale Taylor, Doug McCaig, Tyrus Taylor, David Taylor, Chris Smith and Jeff
Smith. Honorary Pallbearers great-nephews. She was a member of Belgreen Church of Christ
and retired from the Franklin County Revenue Commissioner Office in 2008. She treasured her
time loving on and spoiling her grandkids, which was evident by the amount of pictures in her
house of them. Being the baby of seven children, she had lots of opportunities to practice with all
her nieces and nephews. Her favorite times were cheering on her three daughters and all of her
grandkids in whatever sport each played. She also enjoyed many trips to the beach. We all knew
that a stop would be made at exit 205 to get ice cream and peaches. 
She was an exceptional cook and made sure everyone had their favorite food on her table or at
the dinner-on-the ground for a gospel meeting. If you were a part of the singings at Shady Grove,
you were sure to hear her singing alto with the congregation.. Joyce was a huge fan of Nick
Saban and the Crimson Tide. She enjoyed lake life: boating, skiing, swimming, taking naps and
riding the SeaDoo with her grandkids. She had a special gift of talking to people whether she was
cutting up with her brothers & sister, running the bait shop, working at the courthouse, shopping
or giving the refs her opinion. She was the first female to win the State Championship for Trap
Shooting 1974. A sport she excelled in along with Nolen, her husband of 25 years.
Special thanks to Russellville Healthcare Staff, Greta Boutwell and Jenny Skipworth , Hospice
of North Alabama, Sandra Smith, Martha Kimbrough, and Stephanie Glover. Akins Funeral
Home will be assisting the family.