Joyce Smith Stacy

July 20, 1953 - January 18, 2021

Joyce “Joy” Ann Stacy, 67, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 18, 2021, at her home in Covington, LA of complications following surgery for thyroid cancer. Joy is the owner of the Canyon Lodge Hotel on old historic Rt. 66 in Seligman, AZ and the former owner of the Delta Motel in Winslow, AZ. She retired two years ago and bought a home in Covington, LA. Joy was born July 20, 1953, in Columbia, PA. She grew up in Walnut Creek, CA where she attended Acalanes High School. Joy showed a knack for entrepreneurship early on. She previously owned several small businesses before finally settling on small, boutique hotels on old historic Rt. 66 in Arizona. Her small hotels were known for their “themed” rooms, most notably the Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne rooms. Her Seligman motel, the Canyon Lodge, is still operating on old Rt. 66 and the Delta Motel is still being run by new owners in Winslow, AZ. Joy began traveling to New Orleans, LA after her retirement in 2019. She loved the city, its culture, food, and people. She attended her first Mardi Gras last year prior to the Corona virus outbreak. She spent this last year sequestered in her home in Covington decorating and enjoying her outdoor patio and grounds. She loved the birds and squirrels native to LA and could spend hours watching them at her many feeders. She especially loved the cardinals. Joy was a cat lover and leaves behind her beloved Missy and her latest addition, Sam. Three words to sum up Joy’s life would be, “caring, hard-working, and fun-loving.” Always the optimist, she lived her life like the poster in her home, “Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.” Joy is survived by her daughter, Kristina Poushay, and her brother, James K. Smith. She is predeceased by her parents, Salem James Smith and Anna Mae Smith and her younger brother, Thomas Smith. She leaves behind many beloved friends from all over the country. The world is a sadder place without Joy in it. She will be sorely missed.