Mrs. Joyce Ann Wood, age 83, passed away on Monday, November 9, 2026 in Lexington. Joyce was born September 8, 1943 in Lexington, Tennessee, she graduated from Lexington High School in 1961. On May 20, 1961, she married the love of her life, Joe. Together, they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, family, faith, and cherished memories.
Joyce was a faithful and active member of Corinth Baptist Church in Darden, Tennessee, where her faith and love for others were an important part of her life.
Shortly after marrying Joe, Joyce worked at Salant and Salant for several years. Following the birth of their two daughters, she began babysitting for many friends and families in the community. It was during those years that she and Joe lovingly became known as “Mama Joyce” and “Daddy Joe” to so many children whose lives they touched.
Joyce later began working at Fred’s in Parsons, Tennessee, where she spent approximately 25 years before retiring. During her time there, she became affectionately known as “Memaw” to her coworkers and beloved grandchildren. She formed many lasting friendships and always had a smile, a kind word, or a conversation to share.
Joyce truly never met a stranger. No matter where she went, she had a special way of making everyone feel welcome and loved. Her warm personality, caring heart, and love for people left a lasting impression on everyone who knew her.
In her free time, Joyce enjoyed her Friday night card games with friends, sharing laughter and making memories. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought her so much joy.
Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her love for her family, the friendships she made throughout her life, and the countless lives she touched. Whether you knew her as Joyce, Mama Joyce, or Memaw, she had a way of making everyone feel like family. Her love and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
Survivors include her husband, Mr. Joe Wood; her daughters, Kim (Bill)Martin and Kristy (Dennis) Watson; four grandchildren, Blair (Brent) Janan, Blake (Jenna) Booth, Brittney (Adam) White, and Dustyn Watson; seven great grandchildren, Gunnor, Jaxon, and Saydi White, Harper and Everett Booth, and Aubrey and Elias Janan; her brother, Ronnie Eason; her sister, Lois Williams; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, James A. and Ruth Eason; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Eason; and brother-in-law, Harry Williams.
Funeral services are scheduled for 11 AM, Thursday, November 12, 2026 at Corinth Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Henderson County Memory Gardens in Lexington. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, 2 – 9 PM at Pafford Funeral Home in Lexington and on Thursday, 9 – 11 AM at Corinth Baptist Church in Darden.
