Joye Smith Giroux

Joye Lucille Smith Giroux died peacefully Sunday, January 23, surrounded by loved ones. She was the epitome of a life well lived. Loved by many who will sorely miss her impish humor and wisdom. Born May 31, 1930, to Joseph Earl Smith and Olive Birdie Jenkins Smith, she was the youngest of four children. Her sister, Margaret, brother Otis and brother Jim, all preceded her in death. Her early years were spent on a farm in rural Michigan. She graduated from Bay City Central and earned her teaching degree from Central Michigan University. Joye married Philip Giroux in December 1951. She taught French and English at South Lake High School In St. Clair Shores, MI and Big Rapids High School during her years as a beloved educator. She was a poet who initially wrote to ease the pain of losing her husband, Philip, to cancer in June 1969. She went on to serve as President of the Poetry Society of Michigan and publish several books. She retired to North Carolina in 1989 with her daughter, Patti. She is survived by two daughters, Patti Giroux, and Helen (John) LaVere; two grandsons, Philip (Callie) LaVere and beloved great-granddaughter Piper, and Derrick LaVere and Amanda Welsh; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family was very important to her, and she will be greatly missed. A visitation will be held at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner from 6-8 on Saturday, February 5. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the SECU Jim and Betsy Bryan Hospice Home of UNC Health Care, 100 Roundtree Way, Pittsboro, NC 27312.