Carolyn Henslee's Obituary
Carolyn Joyce Henslee, daughter of Melvin and Mildred Pedersen Smith, was born in Wright County, Missouri, April 10, 1948. She departed this life on December 27, 2008 in Cox Medical Center South, Springfield, Missouri at the age of sixty years, eight months, and seventeen days.
On February 9, 1963, Joyce was united in marriage to Steven Earl Henslee and to this union four daughters were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; as well as an infant sister, Evelyn.
Joyce is survived by her husband Steve of the home; four daughters, Linda Turner and husband Wallace of Carthage, Missouri, Patty Hightower and husband Wade of Hartville, Missouri, Carolyn Michelle Deckard and husband Ray of Grovespring, Missouri, and Karen Allen and husband Jesse of Norwood, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, Joshua, Eric and Chad Turner, Justin, Cody, and Bryce Hightower, Jarret, Steven, Ethen, and Colton Deckard, Zach, Courtney, Jesse, and Tymarie Allen; one great-granddaughter, Makaylah Turner; her half sister, Elaine Elkins of Alvin, Texas; one brother, Bill Smith and wife Rhonda of Hartville, Missouri; a sister-in-law Janet McSwain and husband Junior of Ava, Missouri; several nieces and nephews as well as a host of other relatives and many dear friends.
She moved to Coffeyville, Kansas at a young age and attended school there. She always enjoyed returning to Mansfield to visit her grandparents. Joyce later moved to California for a short time before moving to the Mansfield area in 1960. She met and married Steve in 1963 and they continued to make their home in the area.
Joyce enjoyed spending time with all of her family, her close friends and her neighbors, and had a great sense of humor. She loved sewing, cooking and helping her grandkids with school projects. Cooking big meals for her family and friends was a source of enjoyment for Joyce, especially around Christmas time, which was her favorite time of the year.
Joyce was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and accomplishments and will cherish the wonderful memories she has created for her family and many dear friends. She will be dearly missed and will live forever in the hearts of her family and friends.
Funeral services for Joyce Henslee will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2008 in the Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Mansfield. Burial will be in the Mansfield Cemetery. Visitation will be from 7-8 p.m. Monday evening in the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home of Mansfield.
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