Harriet Joyce Smith

June 23, 1931 - September 22, 2020

Harriet Joyce Smith passed away peacefully in Traverse City on September 22, 2020 at the age of 89. Harriet was born June 23, 1931 in Three Rivers, Michigan. As the first of eight children growing up on a farm, she learned the value of hard work early on, and continued that work ethic throughout her life. She married the love of her life, Harold Smith in 1953 and they remained married for the next 62 years, until his death. Shortly after getting married Harriet and Harold moved north to Kingsley and eventually to Traverse City where Harold operated the Standard Oil bulk plants and Harriet helped with bookkeeping and other administrative duties. Along with raising their two children, Harriet and Harold grew large vegetable gardens and never hesitated to share their bounty with others. She also worked at Graham Electric in downtown Traverse City, and, with Harold at her side, sold beautiful cut flowers and provided bouquets for many special occasions. She also enjoyed traveling with her husband in their motorhome visiting campgrounds across the country. Harriet was an active member of Traverse Bay United Methodist Church for over 50 years, where she worked at countless luncheons, dinners and special events and was a longtime member of the United Methodist Women. Never one to sit still, she also displayed her love through exceptional hospitality skills. She frequently invited friends and family over for a delicious meal, and as a talented baker, always had an array of cakes, cookies, pies and more, on hand. Her talents especially came out during the holidays when her meals became banquets. When it came to homemade baked goods and treats, her cupboard was never bare. Above all, Harriet loved her family and attended as many of her children’s and grandchildren’s activities as possible. She is survived by her daughter, Julie (Tim) Holliday, son Keith (Lori) Smith, and grandchildren Kyle Allen, Aubrey (Matt) Poremba, and Allida (Jeremy) Clark. Also surviving are siblings Phyllis Kerr, Betty Rice, Clayton Mohney, Lee Mohney, and Bonnie Arney. In addition to Harold, she was preceded in death by her parents, Leonard and Esther Mohney, sister Janet Malone, brother Jim Mohney, and granddaughter Lorraine Allen. Harriet’s family would like to express its sincere gratitude to the staff at “The Nest” of Cherry Hill Haven, whose extraordinary care and love will always be remembered. Also, a special thanks to Hospice of Michigan, whose expertise, compassion and care are unequaled. A funeral service will take place on Sunday September 27, 2020 in the Gardens of the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home at 1:00pm with visitation beginning at 11:00am until the time of the service. Please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with Harriet's family. Memorial contributions may be directed to “The Nest” of Cherry Hill Haven, Hospice of Michigan, and the Traverse Bay United Methodist Women. Harriet and her family are being cared for by the Reynolds Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.