Joycelyn Elliott

Joyce Elliott, devoted wife of the late R.W."Wendy" Elliott, beloved mother of David and Diane, and cherished grandmother of Elliott, Jordan and Abby, died Friday, September 11, 2009 at the age of 83. She was born Joycelyn Louise Thomas on June 2, 1926 in Independence, Kansas, the first of the three daughters of Thelma Hoke and William Thomas. She remained extremely close to her two sisters, Clarice and Janet, throughout her life. Mrs. Elliott graduated from Independence High School in 1944, and Independence Junior College in 1946. It was there that she met the love of her life, Wendell Elliott, recently returned from WWII. They were married in August 1946 and remained together for fifty-three years. In 1956 they moved to Bartlesville, where Mrs. Elliott lived until last year, when she moved to Tulsa. She took great pride in maintaining a beautiful home for her family and friends, and took an active role in the lives of her two children, from Cub Scout den mother to hand sewing a wedding dress. She was known throughout the extended family as the one who would always be there when someone needed help. She was an excellent cook, gardener, seamstress and an avid reader. She belonged to several bridge clubs and the women's golf league at Sunset Country Club, as well as many civic and volunteer organizations. Mrs. Elliott was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Bartlesville for over fifty years and served as deacon, teacher and director of the church nursery. In 1976 she and Wendy went to live in Stavanger, Norway for a year where he worked on an off shore drilling project for Phillips Petroleum. During that time they went on many excursions around Europe, much to her wonder and delight. She loved new things and experiences. Her family will deeply miss her big smile, lively conversation, and loving generosity. Mrs. Elliott is survived by her two children, David Elliott and his wife Raylene of Oklahoma City and Diane Ward and her husband Davis of Tulsa, Ok, three grandchildren Elliott Poston, Jordan Ward and Abby Ward all of Tulsa, one sister Clarice Swalley of Chattanooga, Tn. and several nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband R.W. Elliott, her parents Bill Thomas and Thelma Starr and one sister Janet Phillips. Graveside funeral services will be held on Wednesday September 16, 2009 at 2:00 pm in the Mount Hope Cemetery in Independence, Ks. The Rev. Andrew S. Odom of the First Presbyterian Church will officiate. Services are under the direction of the Neekamp-Luginbuel Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.honoringmemories.com. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 8400 Silver Crossing, Suite H, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma 73132.

Service Details

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 2:00pm, Mount Hope Cemetery - Independence, KS

Interment Details

Mount Hope Cemetery - Independence, KS