Joyce Cordelia (Mauldin) Essary - born March 15, 1950 - entered into eternal rest Aug.18, 2015, while at Ozarks Medical Center from adenocarcinoma while surrounded by her loving family. She gave cancer a good fight. She was 65 years old.
Joyce was united in marriage Oct. 25, 1970, to her sweetheart and best friend, David Essary Jr. From this union two wonderful, loving, and utterly humble children were born.
Joyce was a caring individual. She loved her work of nearly 18 years of in-home care at Willow Healthcare Incorporated. This brought her great joy as did her rotten grandchildren. She was a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals and West Plains High School Zizzer fan (Class of 1968).
Joyce is survived by her husband of 44 years, David; daughters, Molissa and her husband, Jason Due, and Tanya Essary, and grandchildren, Nicholas Hall, Lauren Due, Alexis Due and Madison Essary. Joyce has one angel of a sister, Sarah A. Smith, and a special sister, Mary Tolbert. Many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends also survive.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Lloyd and Martha Mauldin; brothers, Robert, William and Terry Mauldin; sisters, Brenda and Priscilla Mauldin and Nancy Mauldin Coldicott.
Upon her death, she donated her eyes so that others could see and to further education in the ophthalmologic field. Joyce was always full of surprises, or something like that. She was one in a million and will be missed.
A memorial service for Joyce will be held at later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Willow Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.willowspringsfuneral home.com.
