Jaracy Ann Smith, 62, of Alexandria, Virginia was called home to be with the LORD on November 16, 2019. She was born on August 5, 1957 to Roosevelt and Ruth Annalee Smith in the City of Alexandria. She was affectionately called “Joycee” from a young age by family and friends. She was educated in the public-school systems of Washington DC and the City of Alexandria.
All throughout her life, Joycee was dedicated to taking care of others. Even though she was the youngest of all her siblings, Joycee was the “glue” that held the family together. She would coordinate all the family functions and holiday gatherings, often hosting them at her house and cooking most of the food. Family and friends would often make requests for her southern cooking as she was best known for her collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and just about everything else – – especially cakes and pies. While she often let others be the “life” of the party, she would not hesitate to make a funny joke or tell a hilarious story about herself or other family members. Joycee was outspoken but soft-hearted. As a testament to her strong faith in the LORD, her generosity was always on display as she would often donate food, provide housing and assist anyone in need. She was a dedicated, faithful member of the Harvest Assembly Baptist Church.
Joycee was a hardworking, devoted mother often working multiple jobs at the same time to ensure her family was taken care of. Her commitment to others was not limited to her family, she forged a career in community involvement and public service. She worked in several capacities for the City of Alexandria Public Schools, Human Services and Recreation and Parks, ultimately retiring from the Fairfax County Public School system. Never being a person to sit still, after retirement she went back to work for the National Counseling on Aging as an Administrative Assistant until October 2019. After her second retirement, she took time to focus on strengthening her faith and health, taking as many vacations as possible and spending time with her family.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Roosevelt & Ruth and siblings: Theodore “Sunny” (Sade), James Smith, Elizabeth Holmes (James), Henry “Wingfield” Smith, William Smith, Morris Smith, Margaret Wilkins (Leroy), Lillian Brown, and Thomas Smith.
Joycee leaves to cherish her memories siblings: Grover Smith, Roger “Randolph” Smith, Kimba Holmes, and Joanne Hinton; children: Cutina Smith, Michael Smith (Skysha), Lacy O’Neal (Earl) and her “daughter-niece” Cordelia “Deedee” Holmes; grandchildren: Jatia Holmes, Taylor Smith, Sheila Smith, Keon DeWalt, Michael Smith, Jr., Brianna Smith, Nihum O’Neal, Kye Smith, Anderson O’Neal, Caden O’Neal, JR Kings, Maya Kings, Laila Kings, Ka’marion Smith; and, a great-grandchild: Gabriella Smith, a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and many friends.
Recent Stories
In this Potomac Local News Podcast episode, we sit down with Jeff Joyner, President of Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, to explore the hospital’s incredible 50+ year journey – the past 15 years of which have been under Sentara’s watch.
Join us on Friday, January 10, 2025, from noon to 4 p.m., with a special Ribbon Cutting at 2 p.m. Be inspired by keynote speaker Rita McClenny, President & CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation while enjoying a light reception featuring classic Fredericksburg favorites.
Location: 601 Caroline Street, 1st Floor, Fredericksburg
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Planet Fitness opened its first location in Stafford. The new 30,900-square-foot facility, located at 1455 Stafford Market Place in the Stafford Market Place shopping center, is designed to provide a welcoming, judgment-free environment for individuals at all fitness levels.
The building used to house a Best Buy that announced its closure one year ago after 16 years in business. Our coverage of the closure was some of the most-read content on Potomac Local News in 2024.
The Stafford location features state-of-the-art equipment, including strength machines, free weights, a dedicated area for high-intensity interval training (HIIT), and a functional training room with turf for agility exercises. Members can also access amenities such as fully equipped locker rooms with showers, a mobility and stretching space, and free WiFi.
A highlight of the facility is the Black Card Spa, available to those who pay for a higher membership tier. The spa includes Hydro Massage Loungers, massage chairs, recovery loungers, and salon-grade tanning beds, offering members an opportunity to relax and recover post-workout.
Called to Jail
A 44-year-old man found himself back at Rappahannock Regional Jail after making a false report and harassing a jail officer with obscene phone calls. Initially, deputies responded to a call about a death and gunshot outside the jail, which turned out to be false. The suspect, located at a local motel, was arrested and charged with using obscene language and filing a false report.
Assault
– Marion Manor Nursing Home: A staff member assaulted another during a disagreement. The suspect was charged with assault and battery and held without bond.
– Shasta Place: A male suspect bit the victim during a verbal altercation. He was charged with assault and battery but released on personal recognizance.
DUI
Deputies discovered a car in a ditch on Courthouse Road. The driver admitted to drinking beer, with three empty cans found in her vehicle. She was charged with DUI, drinking while driving, and refusal, and held on a $3,000 bond.
Hit and Run
A vehicle struck a VDOT sign and two unoccupied trucks at EZ Auto Sales before the driver fled. Deputies identified the suspect using evidence left in the vehicle, and warrants for hit and run and property destruction were issued.
Start 2024 on the right foot by prioritizing your mental health and well-being. At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand how challenging life can be—whether it’s managing stress from work, family dynamics, or navigating the complexities of the world around us. Our team is here to help you create balance and find the peace you deserve.
We’re offering a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore how therapy can work for you. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, looking for support, or just want to talk things through, this is the perfect opportunity to take that first step toward a healthier, happier you.
Scheduling is simple and convenient. Choose the option that works best for you:
Experience the passion and drama of Puccini’s “The Girl from the Golden West”.
Featuring special guest musicians from The Chesapeake Youth Orchestra, this performance brings Puccini’s masterpiece to life with an extraordinary cast.
Featuring:
