Kay Lassiter Joyner

Smithfield, NC - Nancy Kay Lassiter Joyner AKA “Kay”, “Kay Belle”, and “Lassie”, age 80, died Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the SECU Hospice House of Smithfield after a period of declining health. Kay was born on February 23, 1946, in Suffolk, VA to Inez Lassiter and H.D. Lassiter. She is preceded in death by her parents, sister Linda Babb and brother-in-law Jimmy Babb. After her parents passed away, she enjoyed spending Thanksgiving and Christmas with the Stasavich family in Greenville, NC.

Kay was reared in Boykins, VA; spending her summers in Bal Gra on the Chowan River in Edenton, NC. Kay graduated from South Hampton County High School in 1964. In the fall of 1964, she entered East Carolina University and graduated in spring 1968 with a degree in elementary education.

She met Clint Joyner as she was walking down the street in Greenville, NC in 1967, where they both attended East Carolina. Clint and Kay were married August 22, 1968 and settled in Greenville, NC where she taught one year in Pitt County. Later they moved to Martin County, NC and taught for four years. In the fall of 1974 Clint accepted a job teaching at Smithfield Selma High School, and Kay taught elementary education at Meadow School for 25 years. In 1976, Kay continued her education journey by receiving her master degree at Campbell College in Elementary Education. She absolutely loved David Godwin, her principal, and all the teachers and “all things” of Meadow School.

Kay was an avid lover of her dogs, especially retrievers. She enjoyed going to field trials and running the puppies and served multiple times as the hostess of several National Retriever Club Championships. Kay also served as the secretary of the Tarheel Retriever Club for 17 years. But no matter what, her favorite pups that brought her companionship and love were Bootsie, her and Clints basset hound named Jude, and her favorite retrievers Dandy and Rut, who helped her during her mother’s passing. The family would like to thank Dr. Willie Smith and Willow Run Veterinary Staff for always being there for them and loving all dogs.

Kay enjoyed Christmas and decorating during this wonderful season. You could always find Kay at First Baptist Church, Smithfield heading up all things decorating. In her free time, she enjoyed going to auctions and state auctions with collections of more stuff than she needed. She loved gossiping and talking about the furniture and antiques with her friends.

She was a member of Boykins Baptist Church growing up, and then when moving to Smithfield, she became a longtime, faithful member of the Bizzel Sunday School class at First Baptist Church, Smithfield. She loved her church and was a faithful volunteer for many years.

Kay is survived by her husband of 58 years Clinton Cotton Joyner, Jr., two brothers-in-law Danny Joyner (Marsha) of Archer Lodge, NC and Neil Joyner (Melissa) of Fayetteville, NC, cousin Wayne Lassiter (Mary Jane) of Richmond, VA and several cousins, as well as friends, who are special extended family members.

A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church, Smithfield on Thursday, November 5th at 11:00 AM, with a visitation reception immediately following in the Fellowship Hall, 202 S. Fourth Street, Smithfield, NC, 27577. Kay will be laid to rest at a graveside service at 11:00 AM Friday, November 6, 2026 at Beechwood Cemetery, 31474 Meherrin Road, Boykins, VA 23827. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a gift to the First Baptist Church, Smithfield flower committee, decorating committee, or to this beloved church in her memory.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org