Joyce Rowena Smith (Hawkins)

Joyce Rowena Smith, 90 years old of Independence MO passed away Monday, February 13, 2023 at home.
She was born July 4, 1932 (a real firecracker girl) in Kennett, Mo. to Heamon F. Hawkins and Florence May (Riley) Hawkins. She attended Deering High School in Kennett and completed the Tenth grade.
Rowena was baptized unto Jesus Christ on June 29, 1941 in Kennett MO, a member of the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, now the Community of Christ attending Eden Heights and East Alton congregations. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior. Rowena had a compassionate heart as demonstrated by her love for others especially her family.
She was married to Marvin C. Smith on August 17, 1948 in Kennett, MO by Elder Glen Phillips. They were married for sixty four years!
Rowena was preceded in death by her parents; Heamon F. and May Florence (Riley) Hawkins; her husband, Marvin Smith, and her brothers, Dale R. Hawkins and Ronald C. Hawkins. She is survived by her son Doug Smith and his wife Terri Marsh, her siblings; Ruth Mavoy Hirst, and brothers Lloyd Hawkins and Floyd Hawkins, and many nieces, nephews and many other loving family members of all ages. These include: Sarah, Samantha, Jake, Kathleen, Anthony, Theresa Thompson, Theresa, Patrick and Evelyn. Others are: Andrea, Michael, Angel, Chris, Derek and Drew, Brianna, Dakota, Riley, Rayne, Gavin, Aayden, and Tanner. She was a good Mother who loved all of her extended family very much.
Joyce as she was also known had a special pet. “Junior” as the blue parakeet was called came into her life because of Marvin. In the woody area near their home he was spotted by her husband in a tree, and he promptly knocked him out of the tree and took him home where, in the mid 1950’s, he was an adorable pet who came to be cherished and learned several words and phrases. These included ‘give me a kiss’; ‘no, no, junior’ ‘I love you’ ‘bad bird’ and others learned from Mama. Her sister-in-law, Mittie Booker had a beehive hairdo and Junior, would land in her hair as soon as she walked in the door and enjoy. Pets are in Heaven, so we know that bird is glad to see Mama!
In her early years of marriage she was employed in retail working on the Independence Square at Helzbergs, Diesel Jewelers, Leighters and DuValls. Later she became a full time homemaker and enjoyed many things including, cooking, traveling and being with her family. She did many excellent crochet items and gave them to family and friends.
We remember her special southern sweet tea, the marble games played in the evenings with family and the coffee we all enjoyed around the kitchen table. She was the consummate homemaker. She will be missed.
A visitation will take place on Thursday, February 16th, 2023 from 6-8pm at Speaks Suburban Chapel (18020 E. 39th St. Independence, MO 64055). Joyce’s funeral service will begin at 10am on Friday, February 17th, 2023 at Speaks Suburban Chapel followed by graveside and burial at Oak Ridge Memory Gardens.
Pall bearers are; Gary Smedley, Anthony Smith, James Marsh, Jake Manning, Michael Hirst, and Mark Bower.