Virginia Frances Joyce Smith

Virginia Frances Joyce Smith, of Bryant, Ark. was received by her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2012 and was able to reunite with Larry, her loving husband of 63 years. She was born in Mt. Carmel, Conn., Sept. 9, 1922 to Marion and Clarence Joyce and was an only child. She was raised in Mt. Carmel on her family's small farm in a house that dates back to the late 1700's. She attended grade school at Miss Peck's Schoolhouse, graduated from Hamden High School, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree with a focus on dietetics at the University of Connecticut. She was a founding member in 1944 of the Beta Gamma Chapter of the Delta Zeta sorority. After she graduated from college, she completed an internship as a dietitian at the University of Pittsburgh Hospital and was a registered member of the American Dietetics Association throughout her career. Over the course of several relocations necessitated by her husband's career, she had opportunities to work at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, Okla., the University of Arkansas Medical Center in Little Rock, Ark. and at Methodist Hospital in Memphis, Tenn. Although she was a consummate mother and cook what she really enjoyed most was being surrounded by her children and their families. Virginia had an unwavering faith in God. She was a member of Pulaski Heights Presbyterian Church during the early 1960s, where she was a member of the choir. During the 22 years she and Larry lived in Bartlett, Tennessee, she was an active member of Bartlett United Methodist Church. After moving to Bryant in 1998, she was an enthusiastic member of Bryant United Methodist Church. She resided at Mt. Carmel Community, an assisted living facility located in Benton, Ark. since May 2009. She loved the staff and all her fellow residents. Her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Jimmy Elrod and Randy Jones, co-owners, Jeanie Shook, Director of Nursing and the entire staff for their loving care of our mother and father and their unmatched professionalism. Virginia is survived by her loving sons, Robert (Brenda) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Douglas (Terri) of Mabelvale, Ark., Kenneth (Brenda) of Alexander, Ark.; seven grandchildren, Bryan (Gwendolyn) Smith of Cincinnati, Ohio, Lacey (Alan) Esposito of Levittown, Pa., Amy (Daniel) Taylor of Sheridan, Ark., Daniel (Heather) Smith of Bryant, Ark., Christina Delk Pipkin of Mabelvale, Ark., Ronald Delk of Little Rock, Ark., Brandon Smith of Conway, Ark.; and nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2012 at Bryant First United Methodist Church with Reverend Hammett Evans officiating. Interment will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Park. Family will receive friends 6-8 p.m., Monday, Sept. 10, 2012 at Roller-Drummond Funeral Home, 10900 Interstate 30, Little Rock, Ark. 72209 (501) 455-5800. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Saline Memorial Hospice or Bryant First United Methodist Church. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/drummond.