Funeral Services for Mrs. Joyce Curlee, age 93 of Ashland, will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026 at Benefield Funeral Home in Ashland at 11:00 A.M. with David Proctor and Bro. David Holcombe officiating. Burial will follow at the Clay County Memory Gardens. Her visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M. until service time at 11:00 A.M.
Mrs. Curlee passed away on Saturday, January 24, 2025 at the Clay County Nursing Home. She was born at the Clay County Hospital and was a lifelong resident of Clay County. Following her graduation from Lineville High School, she worked briefly for Higgins Manufacturing as a Seamstress, and ultimately led to a 25 year career with the Clay County Sherriff’s department as a dispatcher, secretary and bookkeeper. Mrs. Curlee was a wonderful cook, and enjoyed making fried chicken and pork chops, dressing, desserts and so much more. Her favorite show to watch was Gunsmoke, and she collected Denim Days figurines and Angels. Mrs. Curlee had a strong personality and she would tell you nothing but the truth. She was social and talkative with her friends and family, and never met a stranger. Mrs. Curlee was a member of First Baptist Church in Ashland.
Mrs. Curlee is survived by her daughter, Connie Proctor (David) of Lineville; two grandchildren: Christopher Proctor of Baton Rouge, LA and Brooklyn Proctor of Nashville, TN; plus a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
She was preceded in death by her parents: Lester and Nettie Mae Hunt McCullers; and her husband, Charles Curlee.
Active Pallbearers will be Christopher Proctor, Jimmy Hunt, Jimmy Smith, Keith Smith, Wayne Robbins, and Terry Robbins. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Hospice of Clay County.
