Joyce Marie Perkins Smith

It is with great sadness that the family of Joyce Marie Perkins Smith announce her peaceful passing on October 5, 2018.  She was in the comfort of her home surrounded by those who she cherished most.  Joyce, 68, was born on May 5th, 1950 to Ebbie and Odine White Perkins.

She was a 1969 graduate of East Beauregard High School.  She grew up and spent most of her life living in DeRidder or the surrounding area.  She enlisted into the US Navy on July 1978. She served in the Navy for 12 years.  At the time of her Honorable Discharge she was a BM2.  During her time in the Navy she served in New Orleans, LA, San Diego, CA, Long Beach, CA and Coronado, CA.  She was working as a lead packer at American Moving and Storage at the time she became ill.  To her family she was known as Sissy or Aunt Sissy, but to everyone else she was simply known as “Granny”.  The epitome of a granny she was.  She enjoyed spending time with her girls, her grandchildren and her great grands.  She could be found in the stands, bleachers or on the sidelines at most of their events.  She loved decorating her yard and home for all occasions.  You could always count on Granny being in the spirit of every holiday.  She could be found sitting on her back porch watching her hummingbirds when she wasn’t with her family.

She is survived by her daughters, Christie Matthews of DeRidder, LA and Laurie Seal & Kevin of DeRidder, LA.  One granddaughter, Courtney Anderson & Dallas of DeRidder, LA; Two grandsons, Kameron and Konner Seal of DeRidder, LA; three great grandchildren, Aubrie, Ryder and Bransyn all of DeRidder, LA; One sister, Beverly Elizondo of Chickash, OK; one brother, Ebbie DeWayne Perkins of DeRidder, LA and one very special aunt, Wanda Sue Goins of Knight Community, LA; one honorary granddaughter, Karlei Thompson and two honorary grandsons, Devin Perkins and Hunter Sharp and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends.  Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ebbie and Odine Perkins.

The family would like to express a very special thank you to Brighten Bridge Hospice for taking such great care of our Precious Mom.  We couldn’t have asked for better caregivers than Diana, Dana, Ms. Brenda, and Mr. Don.  Y’all treated her with so much respect and dignity and were so compassionate.  Thank you for loving her. Momma Joyce loved y’all dearly.

Visitation will be held on Monday, October 8, 2018 from 5:00 to 9:00 PM at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.  Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, October 9, 2018 also at Myers Colonial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA.  Reverend Brent Smith and Reverend Ray Leidig will officiate.