Joyce Whitaker Smith

   Joyce Marie Whitaker Smith, 76, of Benthall Bridge Road, Murfreesboro, NC, passed away on Friday, May 20, 2016 in Brookdale of Elizabeth City.

   Mrs. Smith was born in Durham County on June 10, 1938, and was the daughter of the late Everette and Frankie Swing Whitaker. A retired secretary with the Northampton County Dept. of Social Services, she was a member of Meherrin Baptist Church.

   In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Anderson Smith; by sisters, Gwendolyn Maddrey and Judy Ralston; and by her brothers, Carroll and William Whitaker.

   Surviving are her sons, Gary Smith and wife Mechell of Elizabeth City, Stacy Smith and wife Shannon of Windsor, and Michael Smith and wife Wanda of Monroe; a sister, Frances Choplin of Durham; and four grandchildren, Samantha, Beau, Jeremy, and Jakob Smith.

   A graveside service will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. in the Meherrin Baptist Church Cemetery. Friends may join the family in the fellowship hall of the church the hour prior to services, and all other times at Stacy and Shannon’s home, 408 School Road, Windsor.

   Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements, and online condolences may be offered by visiting www.millerfhc.com.