Aransas Pass – Joyce Lee Smith Turner passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026, at the age of 85, surrounded by the love of her family.

Joyce was born on October 17, 1940, in Roswell, New Mexico, to Jack Smith and Dora Mayfield Smith. She lived a life marked by devotion to her family, faith, community, and a heartfelt commitment to helping others.

She was a proud graduate of Chillicothe High School, Class of 1958, where she was active as a basketball player, cheerleader, and twirler. In 1959, she married the love of her life, Arthur Donald Turner. Together they built a beautiful life and shared 66 years of marriage, raising their two children, Donetta and Donnie.

Determined to continue her education and pursue her passion for helping others, Joyce attended Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi, where she earned both her bachelor's and master's degrees in psychology. During her time there, she helped establish the university's Psi Chi Honor Society chapter. Following graduation, she founded and operated Pathways Counseling, dedicating more than 20 years to guiding and supporting individuals through life's challenges.

Faith was a cornerstone of Joyce's life. She was a devoted member within the Ingleside Church of Christ, where she faithfully served her congregation and community. Her compassionate spirit and servant's heart touched countless lives.

Joyce also had a deep love for gardening and beautifying her community. She was an active member of the Ingleside Garden Club and the Rose Society of Corpus Christi. She found great joy in tending the roses and flowers at the Ingleside Public Library and participated in numerous community projects, including the development of Faith Park, highway clean-up efforts, and various garden club initiatives. In 2025, she helped organize an Arbor Day celebration in partnership with the Ingleside Public Library, the Women's Club of Ingleside, and the City of Ingleside.

Joyce will be remembered for her kindness, strength, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her family and community. Her legacy of service, compassion, and love will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Donetta Turner; son, Donnie Turner; sister, Danielle Kinney; brothers, Kenneth Smith and Tony Smith; nephew, Billy Jack Kinney; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 66 years, Arthur Donald Turner; her parents, Jack and Dora Mayfield Smith; and her sister, Alice Faye Wall.

A celebration of Joyce's life will be held at a later date in Chillicothe.

Guestbook available online at Resthaven Funeral Home.

Arrangements and care entrusted to Resthaven Funeral Home, Aransas Pass.