Joyce Elaine Everett, age 85, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at Liberty Place Memory Care in West Chester, OH, surrounded by her loving children. Born on November 4, 1938, in Newton, MS, she was the daughter of Emmett Franklin and Virgie Shepard Walker.

She attended Newton High School and obtained her associate degree from East Central Community College in Decatur, MS. Her career was as a senior clerk at the Department of Health and Human Services and as a bookkeeper at Carter Engineering in Meridian, MS.

Family was at the center of Joyce's world. She is survived by her children Douglas Alan Everett (Nita McCullough) of Newton, MS and Melissa Everett Leathers (Kenny) of Mason, OH. She found immense pride and joy in her role as Grandmama to Will Leathers (Kaylee) of Columbus, OH, Kate Leathers of Mason, OH and Scott Leathers of Mason, OH. She will also be missed by her sister Mary Carol Pace of Newton, MS, and her niece Kimberly Pace Becker (Brian).

Those who predeceased her were her husband of 51 years, Lewis Earl Everett, Sr, and a son, Lewis Earl Everett, Jr.

Beyond her focus on her family, Joyce was known for her green thumb and ability to make any plant thrive effortlessly. Not only did she fill her home with beauty from nature, but also with her artwork. Following her retirement, Joyce discovered a passion for art that transformed into a remarkable skill. Her artwork adorned the walls of her home - a testament to her creativity and talent.

Joyce was not only a skilled homemaker but also a talented gardener, seamstress, and cook. Her knack for preserving items from their garden and creating delicious meals brought immense joy to those around her.

During her many years at State Boulevard Baptist Church in Meridian, MS and at First Baptist Church of Newton, she happily served in the nursery, enjoying the young toddlers on Sunday mornings.

Joyce's Celebration of Life Funeral Service will be held on Monday, April 15th, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. at Newton County Funeral Home – South with Dr. Frank Harmon officiating. Friends and family can come together and share memories from 11:00 a.m. until the service time at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery, where she will be laid next to her husband.

Pallbearers to serve will be Doug Everett, Will Leathers, Scott Leathers, Brian Becker, John Becker and Doug Kelly.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that any memorial donations be directed to the Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation, FDR Station, PO Box 220, New York, NY, 10150 or online at www.alzinfo.org/donate/donation_form/.

To sign online guestbook, visit www.newtoncountyfuneralhome.com