Joyce Ann Harris-Smlin

Joyce Ann Harris-Sumlin passed into eternal life May 15th after an extended illness. She was preceded in death by her parents Norma Alana Hendricks, step-father Belcher James Hendricks. As well as siblings Samuel, Marion, and Chummy Harris. She leaves to mourn her daughters Jové Coleman and Lovely Sumlin, her sister Julie Bray and brothers Jim Hendricks and Roger Wagner, aunts Joyce Jones and Katherine TaBois, as well as nieces, nephews, other relative, and a host of friends. Joyce was a graduate of Washington High School in Massillon and Stark State College in Canton. She was a member of the Canton Auxiliary Police Department and served as a board member of the Association for Better Community Development for several years. At the time of her illness, she served as the Director of Monroe Community Center in Canton where she organized the concerned citizens of the 4th Ward. Through the Monroe Community Center she served as a community activist by creating programs for the elderly and youth. Some of the programs she launched included Proud 2 B U, and the Boys 2 Men program, a mentoring program that paired boys with adult male volunteers. Joyce's passion for helping others and building the community was nothing short of remarkable. She will be deeply missed by the many people who's lives she impacted for the better. She was truly a legend and an angel on Earth. Family and friends will be received on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Greater Bethel Apostolic Church (2335 15^th St. SW, Canton), with services to follow at 10 a.m., Elder Carlos D. Morris, Pastor. Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Joyce's name may be made to Monroe Community Center (2000 3^rd St. NE, Canton, Ohio 44704).

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