Joyce Smart, 88

Joyce M. Smart, age 88, of Sturgis, passed away Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at Elkhart General Hospital.

She was born August 12, 1934 in Hillsdale, daughter of the late Willard and Helen (Padget) Helsel.

Joyce resided most of her life in the Sturgis area.

She had been employed by Solvay Automotive in Bronson and also by Sturgis Molded Products in Sturgis for 5 ½ years.

She enjoyed jigsaw and word search puzzles, classic country music, especially Conway Twitty, and she loved her birds.

Joyce is survived by her daughters: Diane Eaton of LaGrange, Debbie Eaton of Sturgis, Kathy (Dennis) Currier of Burr Oak, and Cindy (Mike) Kirkpatrick of Burr Oak; sons: Shawn (Amanda) Smart of Haslett and Randy Eaton of Wolcottville, Indiana; many, many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters: Barbara Sutcliff of Three Rivers, Shirley Vroman of Fulton, and Phyllis Traxler of Coldwater; sister-in-law: Peggy Helsel of Louisiana and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; daughters: Linda Matchett and Brenda Eaton; sons: Wayne Eaton, Allen Smart and infant son: Mark Seafert and brother: John Helsel.

In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial graveside service and burial of the remains will take place at 1:00 Thursday, June 15th at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Sturgis. The Rev. Rodger Moyer will officiate.

The Hackman Family Funeral Homes of Sturgis is entrusted with the arrangements.

We encourage relatives and friends to share memories and condolences at www.hackmanfamilyfuneralhomes.com.