Joyce Faye Edwards was born July 13, 1955, in Mansfield, to Luther and Cleo Moore, the youngest of six children. She grew up in rural Missouri, and even though she would move away during parts of her life, rural Missouri was always home to her. She loved the area, and more importantly she loved her family who lived nearby. Joyce was a lot of things in her life: a dog lover, an on-again-off-again Atlanta Braves fan, a theme park aficionado, a gifted quilter and craftswoman. She loved country music and country food. She enjoyed the water, going to the lake, fishing at the pond, going on cruises with her sisters. She was a loving wife of over 36 years to her husband, Bret. The role she valued above all; however, was that of a mother. Joyce had four boys that she loved unconditionally and totally; from them, she had seven grandchildren, all of whom she cherished just as much as her own children. She was a natural mother, always caring, always supportive, ready at a moment’s notice to help whenever and however she could. She loved having her kids and grandkids over, for holidays, celebrations or just Sunday dinner. There was nothing she enjoyed more than having a house full of family talking, laughing and playing games together. She was always welcoming of new additions to the family, grandkids, girlfriends, wives. She treated them all like she treated her own children and they all loved her just as much in return. Joyce passed away Feb. 16, 2022. She will be missed endlessly by her husband, Bret; children, Timothy, Terry, Homero and Jeremy; grandchildren, Brian, Danielle, Benjamin, Chloe, Nicole, Erik and Maple; daughters-in-law, Gena and Ashley; siblings, Kay, Shelby and Terry; and countless nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her mother, Cleo; father, Luther; sister, Janice; and brother, Jackie. She leaves behind in her children a dedication to family and a desire to be as good of a parent, grandparent, and person as she was in life.
Services for Joyce Edwards were held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, in the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home with the Rev. Zach Williams officiating. Special songs were “Amazing Grace,” “How Great Thou Art” and “You’ll Be There.” Serving as pallbearers were Timothy Russell, Terry Russell, Homero Flores, Jeremy Flores, Brian Russell, Benjamin Russell, Erik Russell and Steven Moore. Burial was in the Oak Grove Cemetery, Norwood, under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
