Joyce Ann James, a long time Cushing, OK resident, passed away on Sunday February 26, 2023, at her residence at the Epworth Villa Retirement Community in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 81 years.
The daughter of Jewell (Terry) Hollingsworth and Stanley J. Hollingsworth, Joyce was born on March 2, 1941, in Oakland, Arkansas. When she was 6 weeks old the Hollingsworth family moved to Tulsa, OK. At the age of 5, the family moved to Jenks, OK. She resided there with her parents and her sister, Shirley and brother Jerry. Joyce graduated from Jenks High School in 1959. She was involved in many aspects of high school life, such as band, choir, the Future Business Leaders of America, an organization in which she served as President. She met her future husband, Rex James, while attending a State Conference at Southwest Oklahoma State University, where Rex was attending Pharmacy School.
Joyce was united in marriage to Rex Carlton James on May 30, 1959, in the First Baptist Church in Jenks, Oklahoma. After marriage they made their home in Cushing, OK where Rex had began practicing Pharmacy. Joyce was a resident of her home in Cushing for over 57 years. To this union three children, Lisa, Gary and Kent, were born.
Joyce and Rex felt Joyce would serve her family as homemaker while the children were raised. Joyce excelled as a homemaker. She loved to cook and garden. Both Joyce and Rex were passionate about their home and yard. They grew flowers and vegetables. Her discipline and devotion to her yard won them the Cushing Garden of the Week numerous times. Their garden would be in bloom every month of the year. They had 32 azaleas in the backyard gardens. The last year Joyce was in her home, she had more than 100 hanging plants on their patio. Joyce was very involved in her children’s’ activities. She served as a homeroom mother almost every year. Joyce served in many roles in the PTA, including serving as vicepresident. She was the co-chair of the Cushing United Way. She served as a Den Mother/Scout Leader in her children’s scouting organizations. She and Rex supported their children in their numerous school activities, including sports and cheerleading.
Joyce loved spending time with her Hollingsworth Family in Jenks. Sunday dinners and afternoon family time was a tradition for over 50 years. Joyce loved the time with her siblings, Shirley and Jerry, and their families.
Joyce and Rex were co-owners of the City Drug Store where Rex practiced pharmacy for 34 years. In 1993, they sold the City Drug Store to Baker Pharmacy. Rex worked for Baker Pharmacy and Doug Baker until his retirement on December 31, 2014, after 56 years of practice. The Baker Pharmacy family was an important part of her life. Joyce enjoyed coffee with Rex and others at the pharmacy every day at 4:00 pm.
In 1978 Joyce began her career with the Cushing Public School System. She served in many positions, including Administrative Assistant/Registrar at the Cushing Middle School until her retirement in 2011 after 34 years.
Joyce and Rex were members of the First United Methodist Church of Cushing for over 50 years. They both served in numerous roles and capacities at the Church. Joyce was active in the United Methodist Women, including serving as Treasurer for many years. She also served on the Staff Parish Relations Committee. Joyce and Rex had a love relationship that was unmatched. They were two people who truly were devoted to each other, their church, their family, their friends, and their community. Joyce longed for the day that she would be reunited with Rex. Their belief in their savior has now assured them of their eternal life together!
Survivors of Joyce are her sister, Shirley Walters, her husband Ray Walters of Jenks/Tulsa, Ok; one daughter, Lisa Harris and her husband Rick of Edmond; two sons, Gary James of Edmond and Kent James and his wife Amy of Wagoner; four grandchildren, Lyndsey Harris, and great grandson Eason; Connor Harris, his wife Elizabeth, and great grandson, Caden; Ethan James and his fiancé Karysa Casaus; Hayden James; her sister in law, Sharon Hollingsworth of Jenks/Tulsa, OK, brother in law, Brigadier General Paul Pearson, USA, Retired, of Mustang, OK; many nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her brother, Jerry Hollingsworth; her sister-in-law, Janet Pearson; sisterin- law, Mary Johnson; brother-inlaw and sister-in-law, Max James, Jr and Liza James, and one niece, Susan James.
Graveside services were held on Monday, March 6, 2023, at 10:00 am at the Euchee Valley Memorial Valley Cemetery and a memorial service at 2:00 pm at the Epworth Village Retirement Center in Oklahoma City.
Services are under the direction of the Matherly-Davis Funeral Home. Condolences can be left at www. matherlydavisfuneralhome.com.
