Joyce Marie Robinson

ELOY - Joyce Marie Robinson, 73, died on Feb. 19, 2016.

Ms. Robinson was born to the Rev. Votie and Irene Smith on March 14, 1942, in Crockett, Texas, the oldest of nine children. She moved to Eloy at a very young age, where she later joined her father’s quest of building a church and congregation. Growing up, she attended Eloy schools and became a fixture in the community. She was best known for being straightforward and extremely honest. Everyone knew they could count on her response and opinion to be blunt.

She enjoyed socializing with family, friends and neighbors, and she was an exceptional mother to her children. Her mothering abilities, giving heart and open-door policy often made her home the landing place for neighborhood children. She was always willing to share her blessings with those in need, one of the many values instilled in her by her parents.

She enjoyed supporting all of her children by attending their programs and sporting events. She would often volunteer her time with school projects and club activities and played a role in raising money to help her father with his dream of building a new church. She worked a variety of jobs and was known for her work ethic. She worked at different factories, with developmentally disabled people, sold Avon products and in various other jobs to make sure her children were well taken care of.

She was preceded in death by her parents; three brothers, Votie Jr., James and Joe Smith; a sister, Mae Frances Smith; and a son, Victor Robinson. She is survived by three children, Bolivia Carter of Casa Grande, Fredrick Robinson and Levi Jones of Tempe; three sisters, Doris Ford and Erma Smith of Eloy and Oletha Cannon of Arizona City; a brother, Albert Smith of Eloy; three grandsons; and two granddaughters.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice Charitable Fund of Central Arizona.

Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Thursday at Westside Church of God in Christ. The service will be at 11. Burial will be in Eloy Memorial Park.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Valley Chapel is in charge of arrangements.