Mabel "Joyce" Smith Hudgens

Mabel “Joyce” (Smith) Hudgens, age 88, of Clarksville, TN formerly of Madison, TN passed away peacefully on Sept 29, 2024 at Spring Meadows Health Care Facility, Clarksville, TN.

Joyce was born June 17, 1936 to James A Smith and Esther Belle Abbott in Old Hickory, TN. She was married March 15, 1958 to John E Hudgens of Joelton, TN. Joyce was a graduate of Isaac Litton High School and long time resident of Madison, TN where she worked at Harvey’s Dept Store for many years. She then continued with Peebles Dept Store until retiring and working part time at Home Depot in Goodlettsville, TN. She was a long-time member of City Road Methodist Church before moving to Clarksville to be closer to family.

Joyce loved to play games on her computer, word search puzzle books, long chats on the phone with friends from Harvey’s, playing Bingo and listening to the musicians that would play at Chippington Tower Senior facility in Madison. She once was asked what advice she would give to the younger generation and she said, “Love God and your family”, which she did!

In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, John E. Hudgens; son, Eddie Hudgens; brothers, JE Smith (Addie and Frances), Russell Smith (Jackie), Wesley Smith (Marie), Hannum Smith (Joyce Ann), Eugene Smith (Joyce Marie), and sister, Betty Ruth Loftin (Tommy).

Survivors include her daughter, Judy Hudgens Willoughby (Doug); grandson, Pudgy Hudgens (Lateshia); great-grandchildren, Garrison Hudgens, and Dalaney Hudgens, both of Clarksville; daughter in law, Teresa Baggett Hudgens; step-granddaughter, Jessie Dean (Kevin); step-great-grandchildren, Cole Dean, and Belle Dean all of Springfield, TN. She also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews.

Serving as pallbearers will be Pudgy Hudgens, Lateshia Hudgens, Garrison Hudgens, Dalaney Hudgens, TC Swann, and Brandon Edmonds. 

Honorary Pallbearers will be long time family friend, Ronnie Cummings, the caring staff of Spring Meadows Health Care Facility and Asera Care Hospice caregivers.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m. at McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home.

Joyce will be laid to rest at 2 p.m. on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at Forest Lawn on Dickerson Road, in Goodlettsville, TN.

Arrangements are in the care of McReynolds-Nave & Larson Funeral Home, 1209 Madison Street, Clarksville, TN. Online condolences may be made at www.NaveFuneralHomes.com