Joyce Hale (Blakey), age 76, of Stockton, MO passed from this life at 4:45 p.m. Monday, November 4, 2019 in the care of her children. Joyce always said when she passed; she would rather see people having a party to celebrate her going to be with Jesus than carrying sadness. Though we still carry the sadness of saying goodbye, we know she is celebrating in her Savior's presence.

Joyce Hale was born March 18, 1943 in Marshfield, MO to Reba and Thurman Blakey. Joyce moved to Stockton two years ago from her long time home in Springfield, MO to receive extra care from her children. She enjoyed loving all those she met. She lived a life honoring her first love, Christ. Joyce was dedicated to serving others and spending time with family. She was a devoted wife and enjoyed the simple things in life like caring for her pets, eating ice cream, and watching her favorite TV show character Walker, Texas Ranger.

Joyce Hale was preceded in death by her husband, Delbert Lee Hale, Sr., her son Delbert Lee Hale, Jr.;  sister, Debbie and brothers, Reggie, Dale and Levell.

She is survived by her sister Gale Woods; her daughter Tammy Johnston and husband Randy, Stockton, MO; her son John Hale and wife Heather, Stockton, MO; and, grandchildren, Jonathan Stevens and wife Dana, Melissa Cotter and husband Brandon, Isaac Scritchfield and wife Jackie, Christy Ramsey and husband Eddie, John "JJ" Hale and wife Amber, Annie Hale, Delbert Lee Hale III, and Hannah Hale; and 13 great grandchildren.

Memorial Services will be at 1 p.m. Friday, November 8, 2019 at Klingner-Cope Family Funeral Home at Rivermonte Chapelin Springfield, MO with Pastor Floyd McDonnell Officiating.  Burial will be in Prospect Cemetery, Ozark, MO.

Thank you to everyone who has been a part of her life here with us. Though she will be sorely missed, we shed tears of joy for life's moments we shared with her.