Joyce 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 friends. She will be dearly missed and will live forever in the hearts of her family and friends. Services will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday December 30, 2008 at the Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Mansfield. Burial will be in the Mansfield Cemetery. Visitation will be Monday evening 7-8:00 pm at the funeral home under the direction of the Holman-Howe Funeral Home in Mansfield, Missouri. Return to top
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