March 8, 2010
Members and friends of the McCurtain County Historical Society,
Sadly today, I joined many people in saying good bye to Joy Smith, a founding member of the McCurtain County Historical Society. The county historical society has lost a great member as has the community in which she lived.
Joy wrote two books and authored many newspaper articles which covered the history of the Valliant area and its people. She also served many years on the board of the McCurtain County Historical Society.
She was a member of the Valliant First Methodist Church, Red River Writers group, the Valliant Chamber of Commerce, the American Legion Auxiliary, the Oklahoma Historical Society and a charter member of the McCurtain County Historical Society.
Joy leaves behind her husband of 55 years, Don as well as two brothers and one sister.
Services were held today at 10:00 AM in the Valliant First United Methodist Church with interment taking place at the Valliant Cemetery.
Joy was a great soul filled with grace and happiness. Her smiling face will certainly be missed at our future get togethers and meetings. Be assured, Joy will continue to live on here on this earth through not only her writings, but also the excellent example that she set with her own life and service to her community.
With all of this in mind, I announce that beginning on March the 14th the McCurtain County Historical Society will be observing a society-wide week of remembrance in honor of Joy which will end on March the 20th. Let us take this time to reflect on the life that Joy lived and how through her life, our community is a better place.
God bless you Donald and the rest of the Smith and McDougal families. You are in our prayers and in our hearts.
With brotherly love and compassion,
Kenneth Sivard Jr., President
McCurtain County Historical Society
Joy McDougal Smith
December 17, 1936 - March 5, 2010