Joyce Laverne Allen

JOYCE LAVERNE SMITH ALLEN, 82, passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2019, in Roswell, NM, with her family by her side. Please take a moment and share a kind thought or memory with Joyce’s family at www.andersonbethany.com. SERVICES: There will be a Viewing at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home on Friday, August 2, 2019, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Anderson Bethany Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday, August 3, 2019, 10:00 AM. Preacher Stanley Smith and Preacher Michael Branch will be officiating. Interment will follow at South Park Cemetery. On December 27, 1936, Joyce was born to James and Genolia Smith in Granger, TX, where she attended school. She married Howard Earl Allen on October 31, 1969, in Texas. Joyce worked for Roswell Inn for many years. She also worked as a respite worker, taking care of those with disabilities, until her health began to decline. Joyce took pleasure in caring for others and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. Seeing her family smiles brought joy to her heart. Joyce was a loving, caring, and nurturing person so that she was also adopted by many of her children’s friends. She loved everyone, to know her was to love her. Joyce was also known by “Go-Go” because she was always on the go. Joyce was a member of Christ Church, an avid bingo player, and loved to cook; everybody loved her BBQ. She was a straight forward person who always stated her mind. Joyce is deeply loved by her friends and family, and her departing will leave a huge void for many. Her lasting Legacy of love and strength are her loving children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, brother, sisters, nieces, and nephews. SURVIVORS: Left behind to eternally treasure their memories of Joyce are her children: Alice Basinger Hicks and husband Joe of Roswell, Betty Giles and husband James of North Carolina, Emma Robinson of Taylor, TX, Gloria Mayo of Roswell, Pearl House and husband Robert of Roswell, Darline Stewart and husband Mark of Colorado, Lillie Allen of Roswell, David Allen and Angela of Roswell, James Allen of Roswell, Freddie Allen of Roswell, Johnny Allen and wife Roberta of Roswell; sisters: James Etta Bledsoe and husband Wayne of Temple, TX, Erma Richards of Waco, TX; brother, Ernest Smith and wife Jennifer of Georgia; a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, brother, sisters, and nieces and nephews. PRECEDED: Preceding Joyce in death: her parents, James and Genolia Smith; sons: Howard Earl Allen Jr., Booker T. Allen; ex-husband, Howard Earl Allen Sr.; sisters: Ruby Wells, Artie Smith, Rose Marie Russell, Bobby Nell Haynes; brothers: Sherman Smith, Willie Smith; and grandson, Leon L. Allen. HONORARY PALLBEARER: Chosen to serve an Honorary Pallbearer is Joe Hicks. PALLBEARERS: Honored to serve as Pallbearers are Ja Jezlo Allen, David Allen, Issiah Allen, James Edward, Kaneesha Allen Reese, and Eduardo Chaves. Joyce’s family wishes to extend a sincere “Thanks” to her doctors, nurses, Addus and Kindred Hospice Healthcare, who provided her with kind and compassionate care, as well as all the family members that helped with her personal care. Joyce’s tribute was lovingly written in her honor by her family.

Joyce Laverne Allen

December 27, 1936 - July 27, 2019