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Joyce E. Sexton Smith
October 14, 2026
Joyce Elaine Sexton Smith, 97, of Kill Devil Hills, died peacefully October 14, 2026 at her residence. Joyce was born July 16, 1929, to Harold E. and Helen Mack Sexton- both deceased. She attended Hamilton High School, where she met the love of her life, Daniel J. Smith. Between her high school years, Joyce worked in Ocean City, New Jersey – cementing her lifelong love of the seaside. Joyce graduated in 1947, attended Centenary Junior College, and worked for New Jersey Bell Telephone. Joyce and Dan were married on December 17, 1949. They began a family, welcoming a son and, over the next eight years, two daughters.
Joyce was a stay-at-home mother but did not stay at home. In the small space between keeping a home and raising three children each with various interests, Joyce also was a “Room Mother” which involved assisting in the classroom in the early school years of each child. She served as a “Candy-striper” at Blanchard Hospital, volunteered with the Camp Fire Girls and the American Red Cross, and worked elections for the Board of Elections. Joyce also adopted six cats and several strays and cared for the usual turtles, gerbils, chameleons, Siamese fighting fish, and sea monkeys. In addition to domestic animals, Joyce also nurtured the local wildlife, including a new-born mouse, a chipmunk, two raccoons, and a fox.
Joyce packed up and moved seven times over her life with Dan- from North Carolina to Pennsylvania, to Indiana, back to New Jersey, to Ohio, to Belgium, and back to Pennsylvania. The final move took them back to North Carolina, this time to the Outer Banks - Joyce was back to the seaside she loved.
Joyce enjoyed socializing with neighbors and friends throughout her life. This did not slow down once Joyce and Dan settled in Southern Shores. She was an active member of the Duck Woods Country Club, where she swam, exercised, played golf as often as she could, participated in various women’s groups, and enjoyed the camaraderie of various social functions. Joyce volunteered at Britthaven Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center for several years and she also reprised her role working for the Board of Elections in Southern Shores precincts. She was a member of the Duck Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women’s group. Joyce was a proud member of the Wright Tappers, a dance troupe that participated in the Dare Senior Games and won First Place in the Silver Arts performing arts competition. But her purest joy was dancing with Dan, whether Swing, Ballroom, Western Square, or North Carolina Shag.
Joyce is survived by her brother, Jay Sexton; her children: Dr. Dale Bryansmith (married to Dr. Louise Murray); Debra Melvin (married to Mark); and Jennifer Smith (married to Robert Thompson); her grandchildren; Craig Bryansmith (married to Kate), Reid Bryansmith (married to Jules), Aubrey Bryansmith, and Daniel Melvin; and her great-grandchildren: Harry, Melanie, and Elena Bryansmith. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband and dance partner, Daniel.
Joyce’s memorial service will be held at 10am on Saturday, November 14, 2026 at Duck Church in Duck, NC. In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that anyone wishing to honor Joyce’s memory please do so with a contribution to the charity of their choice.
Please share expressions of sympathy with the Smith family via the online register and check for service details at www.gallopfuneralservices.com. Gallop Funeral Services, Inc. was entrusted with arrangements.