Joyce Ann Smith age 70 of Montpelier, Ohio passed away Thursday Feb. 27, 2014 at her home. She had fought a 4 year battle with cancer. Joyce was born Feb.17, 1944 in Bryan, Ohio to Rolland E. and Hazel O. (Hartman) Nicholls. She graduated from Bryan High School in 1962.
Joyce started her business career with Mutual Fund Investors, Oberlin Ford Funeral Homes and Ohio Art Co. In 1975 she joined the Bryan City School System. She served as principal secretary to Bryan Middle School for 34 years retiring in 2009. During her tenure she served 5 principals and 3 generations of BMS students and families.
Joyce was a past member of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church of Montpelier and a current member of First Presbyterian Church of Montpelier where she served as Deacon and was active in Rebecca’s Circle. She was a member and officer of the Williams County Historical Society, Montpelier Vintage Homes Assoc. and Northwest Ohio Antiques Club. She was a past president of the Bryan YWCA and a trustee on the Montpelier Library Board of Directors.
Joyce is survived by Mark her husband and best friend of 59 years, 2 children, Monica (Gordon) Stearns of Winchester, VA and Glenn (Rachel) Smith of Haymarket,VA, a step-son Mark (Stacy) Fackler of Russiaville, IN, and special adopted daughter Pam (Tim) Smith of Bryan, Goddaughter Kendra Kaiser of Durham N.C. and 8 grandchildren, Samuel, Colleen and Christopher Stearns, Leah Nichol Smith, Andrew, Taryn, Lauryn , and Gracie Fackler and Godgrandchildren Lily and Cale McBride.
She is also survived by a sister Phyllis Cook of Bryan, brother Ralph (Kathy) Nicholls of Bryan, 3 sister-in-laws, Nancy (Rex) Rosendaul, Marietta (Edward) Rowe of Oberlin, Ohio and Betty Nicholls of Montgomery, MI and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, brother Gary, sister Sharon and brother-in-law Gerald Cook.
A memorial service for Joyce A. Smith will be held Saturday March 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at The First Presbyterian Church of Montpelier. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Montpelier or the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.thethompsonfuneralhome.com
