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Dorothy Joyce Blair passed away at her daughter’s home in McComb, Mississippi, on Friday, April 24, 2026, in the early hours of the morning. She was surrounded by those who loved her so much as she slipped away to her Eternal resting place. Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
John 3:16
Joyce, as she was known by all who were close to her, was born July 29, 1945, in Langdale, Alabama. She was the only daughter of Dorothy Sue Quenten Waller and James Waller. Joyce attended Fairfax Elementary in her earlier years. Her high school years were spent at Opelika High School. She was enrolled in many things, including dance, tap, and piano lessons during her younger years. She also enjoyed playing with her childhood friends as well as creating many fond memories with her brothers, Jim and Frank. She often told stories about how they were her protectors, often causing many fights with those who thought they could upset her in any way. Also being very spoiled, she rarely got into any trouble by her parents. Frank said he took a many “whoopings” because of Joyce. This trio maintained a special bond throughout her entire life. She thought the world of her brothers.
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Joyce married and divorced at a very young age. However, this union brought her the first three biggest blessings of her life, her children Debbie, Wayne and Michelle. Later, she married and divorced again, resulting in the last three biggest blessings of her life, John, Jeff, and Kim.
Joyce was an avid softball player. Her children have told many stories that on any given day, especially in the spring and summer months, all of them could be found playing softball/baseball, including their Mom. There was never a time when she would be without her six children. Later, along with her mother, “Dot,” and daughter Michelle, Joyce was also a member of the McComb Bowling League. Joyce continued this love of sports way into her 40’s, being involved in several leagues throughout the years. Joyce was a devoted Alabama fan and could be found most every weekend watching her “Roll Tide” football team. She even had her grandkids convinced that she had Nick Saban’s personal phone number, and would call and talk to him after each game.
Wanting to make a better life for herself and her children, in her late 30s, Joyce went back to school. She received her GED and then continued to pursue a degree in business management at Copiah-Lincoln Community College. This re-entry into school was unique because she attended alongside her mother, who at the age of 60 also decided to continue and further her education. It goes without saying that Joyce and her mother were best friends. After receiving her degree, Joyce began her career in business. Her earlier accounting jobs included Guyton’s Auto Parts, Pike County Co-op, and Ramada Inn Hotels. After these, she began her career with Jackson Blueprint in Jackson, Mississippi. Here she worked alongside her boss Ernie, Julius, Keith, Jimmy, Paul B., and Paul K., creating friendships that would span over several decades before retiring in May of 2020.
In 1983, the then Constable of Lincoln County, James Blair, pulled Joyce over for running a stop sign. She received a ticket and went on her merry way. However, James was smitten by her and called asking her out on a date. He continued this for several weeks. Joyce finally told him she would go out on a date with him only if he included her mother. Being very determined, James invited her mother as well. Joyce had finally found her soulmate. They married in 1984 and were together until his untimely death in 2020. Her children have often said they were made for each other. There are so many stories that could be told of Joyce and James, but the most special one is how they loved their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. It is often said that there is not one day that went by in their entire marriage that they did not have at least one child, if not many more, at their home. They loved immensely, and this was proven in their unconditional love and dedication to everyone.
In October of 2020, four months after the death of James, Joyce had a terrible accident resulting in the demise of her life. Falling from a vehicle in their driveway, Joyce injured her neck and spine. She spent the next five years battling dementia, injuries, and sickness. Being the strong-willed person she was, Joyce fought hard. However, in the wee hours of Friday morning, April 24, 2026, she could fight no more.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, James Waller and Dorothy Sue Quenten Waller; husband, James H Blair; children, Wayne L. Brumbeloe, Laura Michelle Brumbeloe Douglas, and Jeffrey N. Smith; and step-daughter, Staci Blair Cheek.
Joyce is survived by her two brothers, James L. Waller (Sue) and Frank L. Waller; children, Debra E. Brumbeloe, John L. Smith, and Kimberly Sue Smith Boyd; step-children, Randy Blair, Michael Blair (Tammy), Vicki Blair Calbert (Steve); grandchildren, Jeremy W. Douglas, Jimmy W. Douglas (Alisha), Courtney A. Douglas (Isaac Guillory), Daniel K. Smith (Morgan Blades), Gavin R. Davis, Khloe C. Boyd, Travis L. Smith, Justin N. Smith, Taylor B. Smith (Aaron Barlow), Emily L. Smith, and Cara Brumbeloe; Great-Grandchildren, J. Anthony Douglas, Joshua D. Douglas, Tyler S. Douglas, Johnathan A. Douglas (Hannah), Joanna M. Douglas, Sairria M. Graham, C. Dalsten Barron, Addie Grace Barlow, James Waylon Barlow, Evie Harper, Brennan Smith, Archer Smith, Navaeh Douglas Barnett (Noah); Great-Great-Grandchildren, Ryker Douglas, Sylas Douglas, Nova Barnett; a very special son-in -law, Jerome A. Douglas; special nieces and nephews, Troy L. Waller, Angel M. Waller, Pamela Waller Stearns, Marcia Waller Gamble, and David Waller.
The family would like to thank the care team of St. Luke Home Health, Kelsey, Allen, and Rita, as well as the care team of Hospice Compassus, Shannon, Holly, Cory, and Katrina, who graciously served Joyce.
Flowers and memorials may be sent to Tutor Funeral Home in Mendenhall, Mississippi. Donations in her name of your choice are also welcome.
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