Joyce Chapman Smith

Joyce Chapman Smith, age 78, of Thomaston, passed away September 1, 2025.

Joyce was born and raised in Meansville, daughter of the late Joseph Haygood Chapman and the late Eunice Katherine Pritchett Chapman. She graduated from Pike County High School and went on to attend Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, where she received her associate’s degree. She later transferred to the University of Georgia and earned her bachelor’s degree.

Joyce worked with the Department of Family and Children Services where she retired after 34 years and later spent her time with the State of Georgia facilitating adoptions. Joyce was dedicated to serving Upson County for nearly 50 years. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and served on the hospital auxiliary.  

She was the heart of her family and always put the needs of others before her own. Her favorite pastime was being with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was the biggest fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Georgia Bulldogs. She never missed a game. Her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Robert Chapman, twin brother, Joe Chapman, and her aunt, Florence Coulon.

She is survived by her children and their spouses: Sabrina and Clint Sanders and Joey and Jennifer Smith; grandchildren: Jaelyn Smith, Cole Sanders, Jaxton Smith, Charly Sanders and Jace Smith; special friend: Don Nell; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 2 p.m., in the chapel of Moody-Daniel Funeral Home and burial will follow in the Meansville Congregational Cemetery.  

Friends may visit the family on Thursday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., at the funeral home.