As someone who still works news delivery is from many different places. I am on Facebook and one of the feeds I get is from the Museum of American Speed. Posted this morning is the announcement of Joyce Smiths passing this past Sunday. Hope this link work.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151755141579264&set=a.104187944263.872 11.64974929263&type=1&ref=nf
Here is the post copied and in full.
We are saddened to report the passing of Joyce Smith, “Mrs. Speedway.” With her family at her side, she lost her courageous 34 month battle with cancer on Sunday. She is now in a better place, free of pain, and with her Savior in Heaven.
In 1952, fresh out of college and newlywed, Joyce Smith loaned her husband “Speedy Bill” the $300 he needed to start Speedway Motors. Throughout the years, Joyce’s outgoing and friendly nature served Speedway Customers well… “No one could sell hub caps, fender skirts and continental tire kits like Joyce,” “Speedy” Bill liked to say! Joyce was initially Speedway’s bookkeeper, parts runner and counter gal and always served as Financial Officer, Corporate Secretary and Treasurer. Joyce was a trailblazer, a tireless working mom who labored 60-plus hour weeks at Speedway while raising her four boys and still finding time to teach Sunday school. As a respected businesswoman, she was honored to serve and direct many organizations, several as their first female board member.
Joyce was a true “car gal” in a man’s world. In the early days Joyce’s daily driver was her prized red ‘34 Ford pickup, a Rebel’s car club show winner. Always at Speedy Bill’s side for 60 years, Joyce attended or worked more races, car shows and trade-shows than almost anyone in America. Since their inception, she walked the swap meet fields of Hershey, and worked the aisles of SEMA and PRI, the pits at Daytona and attended countless street rod and racing events. In 2005 she was honored as Goodguys’ Woman of the Year! As the proud co-founder of the Museum of American Speed, Joyce now shares her love and knowledge of racing and rodding history for future generations.
Joyce’s friendly, outgoing personality was genuine. She loved people and she was liked and respected by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. The entire Speedway Nation will miss you Joyce!
Bill, Carson, Craig, Clay and Jason Smith
**Watch our Facebook and website for a future announcement on Joyce’s Celebration of Life in September.
In lieu of flowers, please share with us your memories of Joyce:
Joyce Smith Memorial
Museum of American Speed
599 Oak Creek Dr.
Lincoln, NE 68528
ForJoyce@MuseumofAmericanSpeed.com
My son Bruce grandson Tomas and Model T mate John Page who was with me at the Museum of American Speed for the Speedster and Racer Hall of Fame function send our heartfelt sympathies to the Speedway family. The hospitality and friendship shown by the Smith family and staff was first class. To Speedy Bill and sons the Model T world from down under is thinking of you. Doug Partington
Joyce was a real sweetheart, always by Speedy Bill's side. Her contribution to their business enterprise was huge. This is a very sad day.