Smithfield- Joyce Bailey Keene, age 79, passed away at Springbrook Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center in Clayton on Thursday, July 14, 2022. Born in Franklin County on May 25, 1943, she was the daughter to the late Joe Bailey and Catrina Pierce.

Joyce was a member of Whitley Memorial United Methodist Church in Smithfield for many years. She and her husband, William Robert "Bobby" Keene owned and operated Keene's convenience mart in Smithfield for 26 years. Joyce was a kind person and loved helping others. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading and going out to eat with her church friends.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday, July 17, 2022, at 2 PM at Whitley Memorial United Methodist Church in Smithfield, with reverend Bob Redmond officiating. Burial will follow at the Keene family cemetery in Four Oaks.

The family will receive friends from 1PM-2PM, just prior to the service.

In addition to her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her husband, William Robert "Bobby" Keene, and brother, Sprite Bailey.

Surviving are her son, Robert Keene of Smithfield; stepson, Greg Keene and wife Karen of Morehead City; and grandchildren, April and Jordan Keene.

Flowers are acceptable or memorials may be made to the Whitley Memorial United Methodist Church in Smithfield at 300 Wilsons Mills Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577.