Phyllis "Joyce" (Colbaugh) Smith

Phyllis Joyce Colbaugh Smith, age 92, of Dayton, passed away peacefully in her sleep and returned to her Heavenly Father on Friday, March 6, 2026. A lifelong member of the Baptist faith, she spent her final days talking regularly with God and resting in the comfort of her faith.

She was born in Decatur, Tennessee on July 14, 1933, to Charlie and Mattie Colbaugh.

Joyce was a kind and caring woman who was always willing to help others. She was active in church throughout her life, faithfully attending Old Washington Baptist Church and later New Union Baptist Church, where she worked in the kitchen helping prepare meals to feed the many people who gathered for church events.

Beyond her church life, Joyce and her family were well known for living along the Tennessee River. For many decades her late husband, Charles, operated the Old Washington Ferry, which served the community faithfully until the construction of the new Highway 30 bridge eventually brought an end to the ferry’s long service.

She was preceded in death by her parents, as well as her husband, Charles H. Smith, who passed away on March 23, 2011.

While Joyce’s family stretches across the country and is too numerous to name, she is survived by her sons, Dean (Tammy) Smith and Darryl Smith; a grandson, Justin; a granddaughter, Monica and husband Doug; and her sister Pat and Bob.

Before her passing, she was lovingly cared for by Darryl, Dean, Tammy, Justin, and Pat.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 14, 2026, in the chapel of Coulter Garrison Funeral Home with Rev. Rusty Revis officiating. Visitation will be held from 12 noon until the time of service. Burial will follow in Spence Cemetery.

Coulter Garrison Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements

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