Thelma Joyce (nee: Woodard) Jones

May 29, 1939 - June 12, 2021

Thelma Joyce (nee: Woodard) Jones, 82, of Mentor, passed away Saturday, June 12, 2021. She was born May 29, 1939, in Chapel Hill, Tennessee, to the late William and Thelma Woodard. Joyce loved her family, especially her role as grandma and cherished all her grand- and great-grand kids. Joyce loved sharing family stories of her days growing up in the south. Joyce also loved to talk about her year’s working as a reporter for newspapers in Texas, Wyoming, and New Mexico. Joyce was an excellent seamstress and learned how to sew from her grandmother. Joyce made patterns to sew her own clothes, including custom-made western shirts for her boys. She sewed all her life, making whatever was needed for anyone who asked. In her senior years, her hands were rarely still. Sewing gave her so much joy, especially the last few years when she created an oversized teddy bear pattern and made one-of-a-kind teddy bears. She made sure she prayed over the bears as she sewed them before handing them over to the children in her church and neighborhood. When she heard of a sick child, or child going through a tough time, she got busy making them a bear. Joyce also loved doing puzzles with her friends. Joyce loved attending church and rarely missed a Sunday or weeknight bible study. With the health issues Joyce endured over the years, she never lost faith in the plan God had for her life. Joyce gave her life to Christ living everyday encouraging those around her and loving all people unconditionally, like Jesus. Joyce loved people and made friends easily; always putting the needs of others above her own. Joyce is greatly missed, but knowing she is pain-free, living eternity in her heavenly home, gives her family and friends peace that they will see her again one day. Survivors include her sons, Royce (Patty) Gregory and Dale (Jennifer) Stowe; grandchildren, Clayton, Tiffany, Abigail, Cody Dale, Krystina, Cody Austin, Dakota, Taylor, Trenton, and Alyssa; 12 great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews, and other loving family members. Preceding Joyce in death are her son, Donny Stowe and siblings, Billy Ray, O.M., Johnny, Derby, Lawrence, and Sue. The family would like to extend an invitation to a celebration of life gathering scheduled for 3:00pm on Sunday, July 18, 2021, at Life Brand Cowboy Church, 1289 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio 44077. A service will also be held for family and friends in Texas later in the year. Arrangements entrusted to the Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 8466 Mentor Ave., Mentor, OH 44060. Send flowers and offer condolences at www.brunners.com