Joyce Christine Smith Walton age 91 of Rosalie, AL died Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Cumberland Health & Rehab. Funeral services are Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 2 PM CT at Corner Stone Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in New Hope cemetery. Family will receive friends from 4 to 7 PM CT on Monday and 12 noon until service time on Tuesday.
Joyce was born October 3, 1934 in Rosalie, AL to parents, Joseph “Joe” Virgil and Alice Irene Thurmond Smith. She was eighteen years old when she attended a singing school at New Hope Baptist Church directed by Bro. Herbert Cordell and her love and passion for the sound and music began. She would spend the next 60 plus years hosting and participating in singing schools and singing conventions around the world. It was during one of those singing schools that she met a gentleman who would later become her husband, Jasper “Jap” Walton. She also had a career as a lady’s intimate apparel salesperson, that allowed her to travel and meet new friends in several different states.
Survivors include brothers, Eddie Smith(Faylene), Rondal Smith, Donald Smith, sister, Mildred Smith McElroy, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins along with her singing friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, brother, Dub Smith, Tom Smith, Marshall Smith, Ervin Smith and sister, Lucille Smith Dixson.
A special thank you to the Scared Harp Singers who gave of your time, Highland’s Medical Center, Cumberland Health & Rehab along with Enhabit Hospice for helping care for her.
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