A loving wife, devoted mother, cherished sister, aunt, and dear friend to many, was called home to be reunited with her beloved husband and sweetheart of 59 years, Gordon "Gordy" Davis, on Sunday, May 31, 2026. Her passing brings to a close a life beautifully lived—one filled with love, laughter, family, friendship, and unwavering devotion to those she held dear.

Joyce was born on December 11, 1943, in Joliet, Illinois, to Elmer and Eleanor Smith (nee Welsh). Her birth was something of a local sensation, as she was part of an all-girl set of triplets—a rare occurrence in 1943. Along with her sister Jean, the trio was completed by an infant sister who sadly passed away at birth.

The youngest of seven children, Joyce grew up on the Smith family farm in New Lenox, located across from what is now Lincoln-Way Central High School. Her childhood was filled with both hard work and adventure. Farm life provided endless opportunities for fun and mischief, while also teaching valuable lessons in responsibility and perseverance. She was an accomplished member of the local 4-H Club, earning recognition for her efforts and achievements.

Joyce attended the historic Schmuhl School, a one-room schoolhouse that still stands today as a museum and designated Will County landmark. It was there that she and her sister Jean met Carole Smith (née Fouts), who would become a lifelong friend. The bond they shared endured throughout their lives, creating countless cherished memories for their families.

She later attended Lincoln-Way Central High School, where she excelled academically as a consistent Honor Roll student. Joyce was also an accomplished flutist in the school band and proudly served as the lead twirler at football games. Following her graduation in 1961, she began working for Chicago Title and Trust Company.

That decision would change her life forever.

While working there, Joyce met a young man named Gordon Davis. Although Gordy needed a little persistence to win her over, once he did, the two became inseparable. What began as a workplace romance blossomed into a remarkable partnership that would span nearly six decades.

Joyce and Gordy were married in August of 1965. Together they built a life centered on love, family, and unwavering support for one another. In 1968, they welcomed their son, Shawn, who became the pride and joy of their lives.

Joyce chose to step away from her career to focus on raising her son and creating a warm, loving home for her family. During those years, she was involved in countless school projects, bake sales, fundraisers, and community activities. Whether supporting her husband at business and social functions or volunteering her time wherever it was needed, Joyce approached every role with enthusiasm, grace, and dedication.

After many fulfilling years as a wife and mother, Joyce returned to the workforce, joining the office of Bill Markley Jr. at American Family Insurance. As a trusted administrative assistant and valued member of the team, she quickly became known for her professionalism, kindness, and dependability. The friendships she formed there became a treasured part of her life and remained a source of comfort and joy for many years.

Sadly, Joyce's career was cut short when she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Yet even as she faced the challenges of her illness, she did so with remarkable strength, resilience, and determination. The love and support of her family and friends, especially her American Family "gang," brought her happiness and encouragement throughout her journey.

Joyce also treasured the lifelong bond she shared with her sister Jean and her extended family. Together they created decades of memories, celebrations, traditions, and laughter that Joyce carried with her always.

A woman of many talents, Joyce was an exceptional cook, gifted decorator, and possessed an impeccable sense of style. One of her favorite traditions was creating bread dough ornaments alongside her sister during the fall and winter craft show seasons. She found joy in the simple pleasures of life—attending Illinois football games with family and friends, shopping trips with Jean, grilling with Shawn, and spending evenings relaxing on the patio with neighbors.

One of Joyce's proudest accomplishments was helping create the dream home she and Gordy built in 2010. With her keen eye for design and decorating, she personally selected the colors, furnishings, and finishes that transformed the house into a warm and welcoming sanctuary. It became a place where they enjoyed many of their happiest years together.

Those who knew Joyce will remember her as intelligent, dynamic, talented, and quick-witted. More importantly, they will remember her as a loving wife and mother whose greatest joy came from caring for her family and enriching the lives of those around her.

Author and philosopher Elbert Hubbard once wrote, "The love we give away is the only love we keep." Few lives embody that sentiment more completely than Joyce's. The love she shared so freely throughout her lifetime will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Joyce is survived by her son, Shawn C. Davis of Shorewood; her sister, Jean K. Cinkovich (née Smith) of Joliet; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gordon T. Davis; her parents, Elmer F. and Eleanor Smith; her brothers, John (Doris) Smith and James (Sally) Smith; her sisters, Alice (Jack) Chesnut and Helen (William) Kokal; and her infant sister, Baby Smith.

Memorial visitation will be held at the Carlson-Holmquist-Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory on Thursday, June 18, from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the American Parkinson Disease Association at http://support.apdaparkinson.org will be appreciated.