Joyce Mayes

Joyce Mayes

Joyce (Chronister) Mayes, 83, passed away November 8th, 2025 surrounded by her family. A dedicated parent, loving spouse, caring sister, and devoted grandmother, Joyce filled our lives with warmth, kindness, and an abundance of knowledge.

She was born February 28, 1942 to Emmett Edward Chronister and Mallissie Marie (Anderson) Chronister of Ironton, Missouri. She is preceded in death by “Her one and only love” David Mayes, both of her parents, four sisters, Helen Gould, Juanita Light, Virginia Young, and Darlene Cookson-Barnes, and 3 brothers, Earl Chronister, Emmett Chronister, and Paul Chronister and a few special nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her daughter Nancy LaChance (Ronnie), son Jim Mayes (Michele); grandchildren, Kristeena (Levi), Brandi (Blake), Bryan, Bradley (Shaina), Aaron, Brittany (Kevin), Frankie (Hannah), Baylee (Dane), and Wesley; 9 great grandchildren and 3 bonus, who she loved just the same, Jackson, Carter, Kyleigh, Sadie, Hadley, Graysen, Avery, Kallie, Kenzie, Kooper, Kolter, and Paisleigh, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joyce was united in marriage on June 4, 1958 to her husband David. They were married for 63 wonderful years. Joyce spent her children’s younger years as a stay at home mom before working at the local newspaper, the Mountain Echo, doing upholstery at Dale Adams Custom Auto, and the Arcadia Valley Drug store. She also spent time doing volunteer work at Iron County Hospital.

Joyce was a wonderful mother to both of her children. She was a best friend and a guiding light. To her grandchildren, and great grandchildren, she was the fixer of all boo-boos, the splinter getter, the hole-sewing master, and the answer to every question. She was the saver of every toy and the maker of many memories. Joyce was the heart and soul of her family. There were no questions she couldn’t answer and no problem she couldn’t solve. She found joy in life’s simple beauties, especially the color yellow, which never failed to make her smile.

In recent years, some of her happiest moments were spent watching “The Andy Griffith Show” with her son-in-law, sharing laughter and stories along the way. She knew the show so well that she could explain every episode, often telling him what would happen next before it did. Over time she has developed a close relationship with many other children that she helped her daughter babysit, all of which knew and loved her as their Mam Maw as well. Some of her most memorable moments were visiting Graceland with her son and daughter-in-law, going to the beach with her daughter and family, and being around to welcome 9 great grandchildren into the world. Her love will forever live on in the stories she told, and the lives she touched. Though our hearts ache without her, we take comfort in knowing she’s watching over us with a smile- and probably an episode of Andy Griffith playing in the background.

Visitation will be held at C.Z. Boyer & Son-Bryson Chapel in Pilot Knob on Thursday, November 13, 2025, from 10:00 AM to time of service at 12:00 PM. Pastor Meghan Riegerix will be officiating, accompanied by Marty Blakey. Interment will be at the Arcadia Valey Memorial Park in Arcadia, Missouri. Memorials may be made to the Global Methodist Church in Ironton, MO in her honor.

Arrangements are under the direction of C. Z. Boyer Funeral Home-Bryson Chapel in Pilot Knob.