Joyce Ann King

Mrs. Joyce Ann King, 59 of Ocean Springs, MS, passed away on Tuesday, December 2, 2008. Joyce was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 23, 1949, but moved to the coast in 1957. There she met and married the love of her life, Wayne King. She lost the love of her life on September 22, 2006 and in the early morning hours of December 2, 2008 she followed him home. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Wayne King, and her father, Oscar Thomas. She is survived by her son David (Suzanne) King of Ocean Springs, MS; two daughters, Teresa (Ronny) Oliver of Vancleave, MS., Patty (Frederick) Griswold of Ocean Springs, MS; nine grand children, Matthew (Hollie) Oliver, Anthony (Brittany) King, David King Jr., Hope Oliver, Danielle Sigmon, Christy Oliver, Celeste Griswold, Kelsey King, and Avery King; her Mother Mrs. Lula Thomas of Vancleave, MS; her brother Ivan Thomas of Kansas City, MO; her sister Mrs. Margaret Grace of Vancleave, MS.; and numerous nieces and nephews. Joyce was always a hard worker and held several jobs through her lifetime. She worked many years in the optical field, manufacturing the lenses for telescopes that were being used by NASA. The job that she enjoyed the most was as a Black-Jack dealer at a local casino. Joyce’s most cherished memories were the times spent with family and friends. Whether it was a planned event or when someone dropped by for coffee and maybe a game of Yahtzee, her home was a place where everyone was welcome. She always went out of her way to make every holiday, especially Christmas, very special for her family and friends. She made sure that each gift that she selected was just right for the person that she was giving it to. Joyce was an avid hummingbird collector. Each room in her house was filled with her cherished trinkets. She also liked to work out in the yard and just relax on the back porch, drinking her coffee while watching the hummingbirds drink from the feeders. Though she is no longer with us, she will be forever in our hearts and memories. Joyce will be greatly missed by all whos lives she touched. Visitation will be held at the Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs, MS on Saturday, December 6, 2008 from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Funeral Services will begin at 12:00 noon and the burial service will immediately follow at the Seymour Cemetery in St. Martin, MS.