Joy Fowler Smith, age 52, of Rutherfordton, NC, died Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at Rutherford Regional Medical Center.

She was the daughter of the late Roy Fowler and the late Lorena Richards Fowler and a native of Rutherford County.  Joy worked at the Hospice House of Carolina Foothills for over 15 years. She loved her cats and dogs of which many she rescued.

She is survived by her loving husband, Derek Smith, her daughter, Savannah Smith, her son, Noah Smith, her brother, Jeff Fowler (Denise), nephew, Zack Fowler (Nicole) and niece Sierra Fowler and her beloved pets; Eddie, Abbie, Willie and Neb.

A gathering of family and friends will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Saturday, January 10, 2026 at McMahan's Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of The Carolina Foothills; PO Box 336; Forest City, NC 28043.  McMahan's Funeral Home & Crematory in charge of arrangements.