Joyce Marie (Howell) James

Mrs. Joyce Marie Howell James was born in Holly Springs, Mississippi, to the late Neater Howell and the late Rayford C. Herod.

At an early age, Joyce accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was baptized and united with Smith Grove Baptist Church in Holly Springs, Mississippi. After relocating to Fort Wayne, Indiana, she became a devoted and longtime member of Providence Missionary Baptist Church. Later, she continued her faithful walk with Christ under the leadership of Pastor Maurice King at Promise Land, where her love for the Lord and commitment to serving Him remained steadfast.

Joyce was a proud member of the final graduating class of Central High School. She dedicated more than 35 years of service to Lutheran Hospital before continuing her career at K.U.S. Zollner Pistons, where she worked for an additional eight years. She later returned to Lutheran Hospital, where she faithfully served until her retirement. Throughout her career, Joyce was known for her dedication, strong work ethic, and unwavering commitment to those she served.

On October 9, 1971, Joyce was united in holy matrimony to Edward L. James. Together, they shared 55 years.

Joyce leaves to cherish her precious memory her husband, Edward L. James; her daughters, LaToya James- Allison (Cyril) of Atlanta, Georgia and Adrienne Reynolds of Longview, Texas; her sons, Edward R. James (Ayesha) of Suwanee, Georgia, Daryl Joyner of Rockford, Illinois, and Jamic C. Johnson (Lisa) of Fort Wayne, Indiana. Sisters, Delores Herod, Jacqueline Herod, Caroline Woods, and Stephanie Herod, all of Memphis, Tennessee; her brothers, Rayford C. Herod Jr. and Kenneth Herod, also of Memphis, Tennessee; along with 14 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Neater Howell and Rayford C. Herod; sister Verlinda A. Herod and brothers, Ben Faulkner and Gene Faulkner; and her foster mother, Audrey Faulkner.

Joyce's legacy of faith, strength, kindness, and unwavering love for her family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

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