Joyce Wylie Ward

Joyce Wylie Ward. 91, was called home to be with her Savior on Monday, July 27, 2015. She died in her home surrounded by family. She was born in Doniphan, Mo. on Feb. 24, 1924 to Wilber Judson Wylie and Nora Klenn Wylie. She graduated from Doniphan High School in 1942 and married Robert Lee Ward Aug. 13, 1946. She is survived by two beloved daughters: Barbara Brown and husband, Les, and Robyn Hillis and husband, Larry, of Poplar Bluff. Also four grandchildren: Lauren Schuermann and husband, Dr. Erick, of Jonesboro, Ark., Matt Hillis, Jennifer Hillis Fears and husband, Adam, Julie Hillis Limpert and husband, Nick, of Poplar Bluff; and two great-granddaughters: Lexie Marie Schuermann and Emma Kate Schuermann of Jonesboro, Ark. She is also survived by one brother, Klenn Wylie and wife, Mary Ann, of Doniphan. A brother Frank Wylie, sister-in-law JoAnn Bratchler Wylie and sister Marge Mickey preceded her in death. Further, she is survived by 12 nieces and nephews as follows: Sally Edwards, Joel Wylie (Kelly), Linda Sue Wylie and Kay Wylie, all of Springfield, Delilah Mickey Kennon (Bob) of Wheeling, W. VA., Danny Wylie of St. Louis, Janet Wylie, Debby Holt (Ben), and Katie Ray (Steve) of Poplar Bluff, Diana Sanders (Stuart) and Karen Ward (John) of Brandon, Miss. A nephew, Dr. Sam Mickey preceded her in death. She is also survived by two dear former sisters-in-law: Betty Abernathy and Peggy Woodard of Naylor and nephews: Dr. Roger Abernathy (Nancy) and Major Gary Abernathy (Susie) of Ohio. Special friends who cared for her were Jeanette Burpo and Carol Colbentz. Joyce was an employee of Social Security Administration for 20 years and retired at age 65. She was an active member of First United Methodist Church, Sue Messenger Circle, and Wesleyan Sunday School Class. She was a past president of the United Methodist Women and active in Wednesday Prayer Group for many years. Joyce was instrumental in beginning the cherub choir at First United Methodist Church with her two daughters. She was a Charter Member, 50-year member and past president of Chapter KB P.E.O. of Poplar Bluff. Later in life Joyce's passion was volunteering to help others. Her volunteer efforts included: Child Concern Center, Margaret Harwell Art Museum, Friends of the Public Library, and playing piano at Cedargate Nursing Home and River Mist Assisted Living Center. Services will be held Thursday, July 30 at First United Methodist Church, 500 North Main St., Poplar Bluff, Mo. Visitation at noon and the funeral at 1 p.m. Graveside service immediately following at Doniphan City Cemetery in Doniphan, Mo.Memorials may be sent to Child Concern Center or First United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Fitch-Hillis Funeral Home.