Joyce Smith Speares, age 90, of Greenwood, SC, formerly of Anderson, SC, passed away on Monday, June 2, 2025.

Born March 4, 1935, in Anderson, SC, she was the daughter of the late Eugene Smith and Evelyn Junkins Smith. She was married for 62 years to Rev. Dr. Benny Speares until his death in 2015. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Tommy Smith; and sister, Millie Lowe.

Joyce loved the Lord and her family. Her husband was the love of her life. Family vacations were her favorite. She enjoyed high school basketball, the Atlanta Braves, and was a superfan of her grandchildren's and great grandchildren's sports. She was an excellent cook and was known for her delicious cherry, peach, and blackberry pies. She was a choir director for many years and had a beautiful voice, often singing for many special occasions over the years. She was a member of Canaan Baptist Church in Anderson.

She is survived by her daughters, Donna S. Hanks (Tony) and Cathy S. Wells (Buster); sister, Jo-Ann Stamps; grandchildren, Suzanne Hanks Savarese (Joe), Tony Hanks, II (Graham), and Cristin Cooper (Zach); and great grandchildren, Hayden Cooper, Scottie Cooper, Mellie Kate Hanks, Keller Hanks, Isla Cooper, Ada Cooper, and Roman Savarese.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 2:00-3:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 pm in the Chapel with Rev. Jerry Gray  officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646, Calvary Home for Children, 110 Calvary Home Circle, Anderson, SC 29621, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.