OBITUARY

"Climb every mountain, ford every stream. Follow every rainbow till you find your dream. " Rogers and Hammerstein

The lyrics to this song describe the vivacious, creative, talented, and adventurous Joyce Lois Orum, born April 13, 1927 to the late George and Laura Etta Smith. She was united in marriage to her college sweetheart, Byrd Orum, Jr on June 11, 1950. She achieved a life's journey of service to God and all people. A journey that she cherished every day, without complaint and worry. During the early hours of December 23, 2022, Joyce was called home to be with our Lord. It was only befitting that the call came during the Christmas season, for Christmas was so very special and exciting to her. The call was so appropriate as she dedicated her life and service to the teachings of Jesus Christ. She attended Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Zion City for the entirety of her 95 years.

Her service was centered on playing God's music and singing songs dedicated to the teachings of Christ Jesus. As a teenager, she played for Mt. Zion's Sunday School and continued those services as a college student at Alabama A&M College. Generations of Junior Choir singers are still providing beautiful music at Mt. Zion. Generations of pianist and organist received their foundation from the Saturday morning piano lessons taught by Mrs. Orum. She was seventy-five years old when her career as a church musician officially ended. Nevertheless, she would still spend time playing contemporary music. She truly enjoyed every genre of music, humming all day long.

Well known for her musical instruction, she was also a skilled and versatile elementary school teacher. With a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics, she dedicated over forty years of service to the elementary school level. Ironically, most of her tenure was in fourth and seventh grade, those formative years. It was not uncommon for her to see former students in her daily activities. They remembered her and she remembered them; and sometimes their entire families. Warrior, Zion City, Bryant, Milton Sears, North Roebuck, Eagan and Lewis school students, staff and families all shaped the educational successes that she achieved.

Joyce was made time for civic, community and social organizations. She was a member of the Alabama A&M Alumni—Charlotte Queen City Chapter, Hooper City High School Alumni, Jean's Choice 871 Order of the Eastern Star, Retired Teacher's Association and Club Le Heureuse Amies.

As an avid traveler, she has reached her destination. The music, the teaching career, and all the places and faces that shaped her were girded by a strong and solid family structure. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her brother Dewey Smith, her husband, Byrd Orum, Jr., and her sister Ramona Granger (Ollie Jr.).

Her legacy will continue and thrive through those that she cherished and loved. Memories and experiences will be treasured by her son Bertram Kevin Orum (Janice) of Trussville, AL, and her daughter, Laurette Mona Hall (Ronald) of Huntersville, NC. Her grandchildren, Brandon Orum, Lauren Robinson, Jordan Hall, Karleah Hall, Reginald Hall (Lauren), Melvin Carver Jr., Abrianna Carver, and Darius Stribling all had a loving grandma, "G", "J", "Momma J" and "J-Lo." She was "GG" to Magnolia Jackson, Morgan and Camryn Hall. She was "T" to Wendy Grant (Larry) of Bedford, Ohio and auntie to great nephew Allen (Angel) and great-great nephew, Alec Grant. She was daughter-in-law to Mrs. Dorothy Orum and sister-in-law to Frank (Rachel) Orum, Geno (Angie) Orum, Theresa (Craig) Lane and Tywonia Orum. Many cousins, descendants of the Woods, Smith and Orum families, have been touched by her precious journey. A journey that has reached its destination.

Joyce kept the faith and finished this race.