Joyce 'Joy' Smith Howell, age 65, former Montgomery County resident, died unexpectedly in the ER of Ozark Health Hospital, Clinton, Arkansas, 11:05 p.m. March 13, 2014. She was born in Crawfordsville, September 11, 1948 the daughter of the late Russell W. and Betty Jane Wendall Smith. Joy was married to Frank Howell on July 1, 1967 in Santa Barbara, CA and he survives.

Joy was a graduate of New Market High School with the class of 1966. She retired from the Miami County Court System where she had served as the Court Administrator. She and Frank had moved to Fairfield Bay, Arkansas in 2005 from Wingate. Joy enjoyed photography and documenting family events, traveling, crafting, baking and cooking. She studied genealogy and had compiled scrapbooks for her children and grandchildren. Joy lived her life to the fullest and had her priorities in order… her faith, her family and her friends. She was the 'matriarch' of her family, 'The Rock' and was always the peacemaker, being a kind, non judgmental, confidant to them. Joy never knew a stranger. She was a very kind, nurturing and loving person, never expressing a cross word towards others. Her positive Christian attitude, infectious laugh and ever present smile will be missed by all who know her.

Surviving along with her husband Frank, are; two daughters: Teresa (Doug) Williams of Milford, OH and Mindy (Chad) Eddy of Franklin, IN. Two sons: Tony (Laurie) Howell of Crawfordsville and Jeff (Missy) Howell of Peru. A sister, Janice Houston of Lafayette and brother, Don W. Smith of Veedersburg, thirteen grandchildren, several nieces/nephews and a community of friends.

In additon to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Wendall Glenn Smith.

Her family will greet guests, 4:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 2014 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate. A celebration of the life of Joyce Howell will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at Family and Friends Funeral Home of Wingate with Pastor Tony Raley officiating. Burial will follow in Wallace Lutheran Cemetery. In keeping with Joy's interest, in lieu of flowers, her family prefers memorial contributions would best benefit (FARE) Food Allergy Research & Education with envelopes available at the funeral home. Visit us online at www.familyandfriendsfh.com to share a memory or offer a condolence.