10/12/2023
Joy Dare Smallwood passed away peacefully on October 4th, 2023, in Hartshorne, Oklahoma.
Family and friends will gather at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 21st, 2023 at 1224 Pennsylvania Avenue in Hartshorne to drive to Sulphur Cemetery for the burial of cremains and memorial service.
Born on January 31, 1944, in Wilburton, Oklahoma, Joy was a beacon of kindness and love in every life she touched.
Joy was born to Wiley Fletcher and Louise (Lewis) Fletcher, and later married the love of her life, Frank Smallwood. Her family was the cornerstone of her life, and she is remembered by her daughter, Patricia Hankins of Hartshorne; her grandchildren: Lillian Joy Mattioda, Elisabeth Jewell Farmer, and Prairie Burch; her stepdaughters: Sheila Whitcher and Flo Barlow and their families; her brothers: Robert, William, Keith, and Paul Fletcher; her sister-in-law, Thelma Fletcher; her niece, Crystal Coleman; her nephew, Allen Fletcher and family; and a family friend, John Vermillion.
Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Smallwood; her parents, Wiley and Louise Fletcher; her stepdaughter, Dary Fite; her sister-in-law, Beth Fletcher; and her brother, George Fletcher.
Throughout her life, Joy was a dedicated homemaker who took great joy in caring for her family. She was known for her cooking, and her steadfast devotion to her family. Joy also worked outside the home at times, lending her talents to the family's business, Smallwood's Body Shop. In addition to her work, Joy was a Sunday school teacher at the Haileyville Assembly of God church, a role that allowed her to share her faith and love with others.
Joy was a woman of elegance and grace. She took pride in her appearance, always appearing dressed to the nines, complete with jewelry, and hair and makeup perfectly done. But it was her inner beauty that truly made her shine. She was kind, gentle, and loving, always putting others before herself.
As the famous author, Mark Twain once said, "Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see." This quote perfectly encapsulates the life and legacy of Joy Smallwood. Even in her final days, Joy's kindness radiated from her, touching everyone she met.
Her legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire and guide those she leaves behind.
