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Wilma Joyce McGill McNair passed to her heavenly home on December 27, 2020, at the age of 89. Her life was a model of devotion to her beloved family and friends, and she leaves a legacy of honor, compassion and strength that positively impacts all who knew her and all those she met.
Joyce was born on March 21, 1931, in Pachuta, MS, to Willie James and Elsie Walters McGill. Her family’s country store and cafe was the center of its community, and her parents were kind and gracious proprietors. It was there that Joyce learned to ‘never meet a stranger’ as friends and customers of all walks of life came to shop and enjoy the food and fellowship of a small country cafe. Joyce treasured her Pachuta hometown memories and her childhood friends. She graduated from Pachuta High School, and attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she met a handsome athlete named Joe McNair, who would become the love of her life.
After their marriage, the couple made their home in Magee. Joyce was involved in various civic activities and a member of Magee First Baptist Church. Her dedication and attention to the needs of others endeared her to the community. In years past she tutored hospitalized children at the Sanatorium, and she was instrumental in securing the first special education program at Magee Schools. Joyce worked in secretarial positions at WSJC radio station, Dickey’s Department Store, Foster’s Furniture, Blackledge Chevrolet, and Wilmut Gas. In all these roles she was able to demonstrate her servant heart and her respect for all people.
Joyce’s fiercest love was for her family. She was a devoted wife to her husband of 54 years, a proud mother of four daughters, and a doting grandmother and great-grandmother. She crocheted personal afghans as gifts for family members and countless friends. Her home was a welcoming sanctuary to anyone and her advice was free and unbridled. Though life offered its challenges, she was never deterred from her zest, determination, and generosity toward others; she had an indefatigable spirit, one of her many memorable qualities. She did not believe in complaining, and she embraced joy. She was grateful to her Lord and Savior for His blessings and is with Him now. Joyce’s family asks that you remember her joy in Him through her service to her community, her hard work, and those she devotedly loved, and that in Joyce’s honor, you would find peace and joy today.
She is survived by: children Jolyn Cooke and her husband, Maxwell, of New Albany; and Janice Dendy and her husband, Patrick, of Brandon; grandchildren Kimberly Varner Langley, Joseph Dendy, Emily Cooke Coats (Chris), Elise Cooke, Mark Cooke (Kelley), Brian Cooke, and Meredith Cooke; great-grandchildren Brayden Langley, Julianna Langley, Ann Maxwell Coats, Emmaline Coats, Alexandra Coats, Max Cooke, Harris Cooke, McKenzie Cooke, Walker Cooke, and Savannah Cooke; nieces Rita Rowzee, Karen Rowzee, and Rhonda Rowzee; and a host of beloved McNair nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Joe McNair; her daughters, Brenda Joyce McNair (infant) and Jennifer McNair; and her sister, Christine Rowzee.
A service celebrating Joyce’s life will be held graveside at Magee City Cemetery on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Family and friends are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Magee, MS, and Special Olympics.
Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Magee is in charge of arrangements.
Online guestbook may be signed at
www.colonialchapelmageemendenhall.com
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