Joan (B.J.) Vincent Smith August 7, 1931 - August 24, 2007 Peacefully passed into the presence of her Lord at age 76. Born Joan Elizabeth Atkins on a summer's day in San Diego, CA, daughter of the late Admiral James George Atkins, USN Ret. and Dorothy May Wilhelmi, Joan was more fondly known as B.J. B.J. lived an exciting and cosmopolitan childhood, always joining her parents as her father was stationed around the world, never living in the same city for more than two years. Upon graduation from Annie Wright School in Tacoma, WA, following a spell at Woodstock Boarding School in the Indian Himalayas, B.J. attended Stevens College and the University of Washington. After marrying Berkeley (Patrick) Vincent III and raising their children in San Mateo, CA, B.J. moved with her children to Lakewood, WA. She subsequently married the late Robert John Smith. In addition to her role of devoted wife, mother and daughter, B.J. expanded her interests to include extensive involvement with the Tacoma Orthopedic Association, Dotha McCormick Orthopedic Guild, Mary Bridge Children's Hospital, and the Festival of Trees. She was Past President of the Tacoma Orthopedic Association as well as the Dotha McCormick Guild and became known as the #Mother of the Festival of Trees." She was a member of the Junia Todd Hallen Book Club, and Women of Vision. B.J. was also highly dedicated to her P.E.O. Sisterhood, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, the Tacoma Power Squadron, and her Bridge Club. Loved and admired by many for her intellect and wit, B.J. never let go of her insatiable quest for adventure. Wherever she lived, she made friends for a lifetime. She will be missed by each of them. B.J. is survived by her three children, Berkeley (Biff) Vincent IV and his wife Karen, Victoria Elizabeth Dawson and her husband Richard, and Brian Atkins Vincent and his wife Shannon, and her seven grandchildren: Berkeley (JR) Vincent V, Courtenay Vincent, Tanner Dawson, Aleah Dawson, Logan Vincent, Shea Vincent, Cooper Vincent, and her beloved dog CeeCee. Hers was a splendid journey. A memorial service in her honor will be held Friday, September 14, 2007 at 11:00 AM at St. Mary's Episcopal Church, 10630 Gravelly Lake Drive SW, Lakewood, WA 98499, with a reception following. Donations may be made in B.J.'s name to the Tacoma Orthopedic Association, St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Lakewood, or Mary Bridge Children's Hospital. Arrangements by Mountain View Funeral Home. 584-0252. Please sign online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com . Pub Date: 9/5/2007 Tacoma News Tribune