Joyce York

After a long and wonderful life, Wilma Joyce York, a lifelong resident of Greer County, entered into her heavenly rest on Friday, April 10, 2026. Joyce was born at home on the family farm southeast of Jester, Oklahoma on February 2, 1928, the first child of William Thomas Francis and Effie Leola (Denney) Francis. She grew up with a deep love for family and the simple joys that make life meaningful. From early childhood, Joyce was shown Biblical truths by devout parents and grandparents. She was baptized into Christ in a pond on the Griffis place east of Eastview during a brush arbor gospel meeting. The family worshiped with the church of Christ in Jester for years and placed membership with the Mangum congregation in 1956. For many years, Joyce enjoyed teaching young children in Bible classes. On September 2, 1944, Joyce Francis married Richard Dale York, her high school sweetheart. She graduated that next spring as valedictorian of her Eastview class. Her young husband signed her last report cards. The couple lived their entire lives farming and ranching in the Jester area within a few miles of their childhood homes. As a result, their three children were able to know and fondly remember close and happy times with their grandparents and great-grandparents. Joyce was an accomplished seamstress and made clothing for herself and her daughters, including their formals and wedding dresses. She completed courses at Sayre Junior College before being employed by Mangum Public Schools. For over thirty years, she enjoyed being a rural bus driver and a teaching assistant in both elementary and junior high classrooms and serving as a substitute teacher after her retirement. Joyce was known as “Gran Joyce” to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and even by her own children’s friends. She was a devoted mother; always putting her children above herself. She enjoyed reading, genealogy, collecting antiques and being a part of the lives of her family and friends. She enjoyed sharing family history and stories with both immediate and distant relatives. Immediate family who preceded her in death were her parents, her husband of 63 years, Dale York in 2007, her brother Tom R. Francis, his wife Marquita Francis, and son-in-law Tony Scott. Joyce York is lovingly survived by her three children: daughter Brenda Scott, son Brent (Patty) York, and daughter Melanie (Brad) Bryant. She has five grandchildren: Aaron (Denise) York, Angie (Quinton) Elliott, Andy Scott, Leighton (Kasey) Bryant, Allison Scott and eleven great-grandchildren. Known for her determination, independence and quick wit, she lived in northwest Greer County, Oklahoma her entire life. Faith in God and love of family gave her the strength and courage to faithfully and happily live her ninety-eight years. In later years, she continued living on the farm, caring for her family and her dog and spending time with cherished family and friends. Additionally, in recent months Joyce and her family have been aided by supportive caregivers: Jolie Tucker, Christy Martinez, Christina Ramirez, Vada Fulbright and Vicky Gilmore. Services for Joyce are scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:00 A.M., Mangum Church of Christ with brother Ken Hamilton officiating. Interment will follow in Jester Cemetery. Public viewing for Joyce will begin Monday, April 13, 2026, 2:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M., Peoples Funeral Home, located at 1400 West Main, Lone Wolf, Oklahoma, 580-846-9018. Online condolences for Joyce can be made by visiting www.peoplescooperativefuneralhome.com

Joyce York

February 2, 1928 - April 10, 2026

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Joyce York

February 2, 1928 - April 10, 2026

365 Days of Grief Support

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information