Joyce Eileen Smith Walkup has left our world after gracing us with a 91-year life well lived. She will live on in our hearts and minds forever. She lived a life of dignity and strength, and had many deep loves including that of her husband of 62 years, French, her children, her grandchildren, her great-grandchildren, her dog Dakota, and her passionate love of travel.
Joyce was born in Clintonville, West Virginia, to Joe Edward Smith and Dovie Frances Sanford. She was a preacher’s daughter who yearned to travel and see the world. After meeting the love of her life, French, at age 15, and marrying him at 18, their adventure began. They were a committed and united couple who loved deeply and who held hands and laughed throughout their lives together. French’s Army career took him to France, and after their wedding, Joyce joined her young husband…
