Joyce Marie Jones

Joyce Marie Jones (nee Smith) age 85, of Seven Hills, Ohio passed away peacefully on November 6, 2024. Joyce was born on October 16, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio to Florence and Leo Smith and was the 4th of 5 children. After graduating from Lourdes High School in 1958, Joyce joined the family business, L & H Freightlines, as office manager where she worked for many years instilling her fierce sense of order. After L&H, she found great joy working as a school crossing guard where she took much delight in getting to know all the school children. In 1969 she married the love of her life Larry and became a stepmother to his two children. She was known for her spotless home, impeccably manicured yard and for her love of baking and cooking. No family event was complete without her stuffed cabbage, her cream puffs or pistachio cake. Tired of Cleveland winters, Joyce and Larry retired to The Villages, Florida, where for over 20 years they enjoyed the year round sunshine and the company of new and old friends. Health issues and the desire to be closer to family prompted a move back to Ohio in 2023.

Joyce is pre-deceased by her beloved husband of 56 years, Larry, her older brother Gene Smith and her stepson, Larry Jr. She is survived by her brothers Leo Smith Jr., Bob Smith and her sister Loretta Vargo as well as her stepdaughter Kimberly, six grandchildren and many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Joyce’s name to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank www.GreaterClevelandFoodBank.org. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Frances De Sales Catholic Church, 3434 George Avenue, Parma, Ohio on Tuesday, November 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m., followed by a burial at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery in Seville, Ohio.