Joyce Thigpen Smolik, of Kenedy, Texas passed away on June 21, 2019 at the age of 90 years and 7 months. Joyce was born on November 1, 1928 in Kenedy,Texas to the late parents, Leo K. Thigpen and Ivy Boultinghouse Thigpen. Joyce graduated from Kenedy High School in 1946 and subsequently attended the The University of Texas at Austin. She married Erwin John Smolik Sr. on September 30, 1948 at St. Cornelius Catholic Church in Karnes City,Texas.  Joyce and John resided in Karnes City for the next 46 years, where they raised their 6 children, moving to Kenedy, Texas in 1994 and remained active members of St. Cornelius Catholic Church. Joyce and John owned and operated Smolik’s City Market and Smolik’s Processing Plant in Kenedy for over 50 years. Joyce’s first 25 years of marriage were devoted to raising her six children then later worked along side her husband at both businesses until they retired. Joyce enjoyed gardening and always took pride in caring for her yard. She loved cooking and conversation, readily sharing her meals and opinions with family and friends. There was always room at her table for last minute guests… It would be difficult to count the “extra plates” set over the past 60 years or assess the impact of those engaging conversations that ensued… “Mom’s quick wit and not so subtle sarcasm will be truly be missed by all who knew and loved her”. Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 62 1/2 years, Erwin John Smolik Sr., May 21, 2011 and her brother Jack Thigpen. Survivors include her daughters: Jan Smolik Millington and husband Nicholas of Karnes City,TX, Jamie Smolik McPhail and husband Jory of Dallas,TX: sons: Dr. John Smolik, Jr. of Austin, TX, Jerry Smolik and wife Pat of Rockport, TX, Jim Smolik and wife Debbie of Austin, TX and Jeff Smolik of Kenedy. Grandchildren: John Ross Smolik and wife Michelle, Dr. Kristen Smolik Denten and husband Sam, Kara Smolik Murrell and husband Mark, Dr. Jeremy Smolik and wife Analese, Jake Smolik and wife Allison, Chelsea Smolik Herr and husband Mitch, Kelly Smolik Contreras and husband Mark, Erica Smolik Wilson and husband Andrew, Brittany Smolik Brettschnieder and husband Josh, Tiffany Smolik Greene and husband Brandon, Dr. Ryan Millington and wife Riana, Patrick Millington and wife Bethany, Caitlyn Millington Kirk and husband Matthew, Taylor Millington, Joshua Smolik and wife Cassie, Lindsey Smolik, Corey Smolik, Lauren McPhail, Alyssa McPhail; 28 great grandchildren and more on the way. Special thanks to Joyce’s caregivers who provided her with generous compassion and care: Susie Adame, Janie Altamirano, Janie Perez, Gloria Puente, and Irma Reyes. A Rosary will be recited Wednesday, June 26, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church with Funeral Mass following at 11:30a.m. at St. Cornelius Catholic Church, Karnes City,TX. Interment to follow in Kenedy Cemetery, Kenedy,TX. Serving as pallbearers will be her grandsons: John Ross Smolik, Dr. Jeremy Smolik, Jake Smolik, Dr. Ryan Millington, Patrick Millington, Taylor Millington, Joshua Smolik, Corey Smolik. Memorial contributions may be made of the donor’s choice.