Joy Smith Obrecht, 78, passed away peacefully on February 9, 2026, at Trezevant Allen Morgan Nursing Home in Memphis, TN. Born on October 9, 1947, to Robert Earl Smith and Iona Davis Smith. Joy was one of three children. She graduated from Clarksdale High School in 1965.
After graduation, Joy began working in the banking industry at The Bank of Clarksdale. Joy then went to work at W. L. Holcomb as an Executive Secretary and was soon promoted to Office Manager. That wasn’t challenging enough so Joy earned her real estate license.
Joy majored in Accounting at Delta State University while working at Connell and Company. Upon graduating with honors from Delta State in 1982, Joy began her accounting career with W.L. Walters, C.P.A. During her tenure there, Joy worked tirelessly to earn her Certified Public Accounting certification. She served on the boards of Northwest Regional Medical Center and Clarksdale Country Club for numerous years.
Joy lived a life filled with golf, tennis, gardening, travel and countless social engagements. Joy was always ready with a joke or two to keep you entertained.
During her many winter trips, she met many dear friends at Indian Creek Country Club in Indian Creek Village, Florida. While visiting the area one snowbird season, Joy rekindled a dear friendship with the love of her life P. Fred Obrecht whom she married in June 2006. Fred and Joy divided their special time together between Maryland, Florida, and Mississippi. Joy continued her love of golf and cricket, earning her Chair of Ladie’s Golf Committee at Indian Creek Country Club.
After Fred’s death, Joy returned to Clarksdale where she volunteered her time working tirelessly cleaning up Clarksdale on the Beautification Committee.
Preceded in death before her husband P. Fred Obrecht, brother and sister-in-law Robert Earl and Lorraine Smith, sister Emily S Bell, and stepson Paul Obrecht Jr.
Joy is Survived by Stepdaughter in law Mary Obrecht, stepsons George (Terri) Obrecht, Thomas Obrecht (Carol), Richard Obrecht (Gail), stepdaughter Susan (John) Riehl; Grandchildren, Paul III, Dudley, Allison, Jennifer, Peter, Tyson, Kathryn, Bethany, Freddy, Jack, Sarah, Emily, Rachel, Matthew, Elizabeth and Will; and Great grandchildren, Madeline, Sam, Beckett, Xander, Henry, James, Henry, Dottie, Jane, Brooks, Lewis, Paul IV, Charles, Jack, Natalie, Oscar, Graham and Nolan.
Joy also leaves behind nieces Lesa Carr (Mike) and family; Lee Doyle (Paul) and family; and Heather Bell Lewis (Scott) and great niece Sophie Marguerite Fuqua. Many great grand nieces and nephews, Michael Carr (Jennifer)and family; Louis Carr (Parisa); Edna Swindoll (Chad) and family; Patrick Carr (Jensen) and family; Benjamin Carr (Rachel) and family Nelly McMahen; Caleb McMahen and family; Ian (Amber) McMahen; and Sophie M Fuqua and many numerous life-long friends.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Clarksdale Animal Shelter or St. George’s Episcopal Church.
Meredith Nowell Funeral Home in Clarksdale, MS is handling the arrangements.
