Beverly “Joyce” Wallace, 72, Strafford, MO died June 11, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in Springfield after a short illness.
Joyce was born October 12, 1940 in Fair Grove, MO to Troy Jack Lipe and Nina Susan (Hood) Lipe. A life-time Missouri resident, she grew up in Pleasant Hope and Fair Grove, MO. There she gained 2 childhood friends that have remained true. After high school, she entered the work force including working on a shrimp boat and in a marina in Louisiana, waitressing, housekeeping and working on a tour bus for Loretta Lynn. She later stepped into the kitchen as a long term fry-cook and baker. She worked at numerous local restaurants such as Sycamore Inn, Cracker Barrel, Mexican Villa, Union 76, Granny’s and Hood’s truck stop. She co-owned a silk flower and gift shop in Strafford in the mid 1980’s. Years of working the night shift won her the nickname “Midnight Cookie.”
After retirement she pursued a hobby of country line dancing. She danced with the “Kickin’ Country” group at the Northview Senior Center in Springfield MO where she helped to choreograph dance steps. She later became the bookkeeper and DJ for line dance lessons. She helped coordinate new sessions to include classes for the Accessible Recreation group for adults with disabilities. Seeing “the kids” smile and wave to her while they line danced brought Joyce great joy and satisfaction.
Besides keeping up her reputation of “Best Bread Baker” and “All things Kitchen” advisor, Joyce turned another talent into love. She used her sewing skills to make small toys and cheery pillow cases to donate to the children’s ward at Mercy Hospital. Joyce partnered with her sister to bake and sell homemade rolls and sweet breads at local farmers markets. Rain or shine many repeat customers helped raise the “sold out” sign reflecting how much folks loved those breads and sweet goodies time after time.
Friends and family always ranked first in her book. She often would lend a hand in whatever way she could, even if she had to do without something for herself. She never tired of watching a “good western” and cleared the schedule when her Boston Bruins took to the ice to slam the puck.
Her journey took a detour when she was faced with gallbladder cancer in March 2012. She boldly took on each challenge even though aggressive treatments were not an option. Later, complications ended her earthly days. She peacefully passed from this life on June 11, 2013 to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Heaven.
She is preceded in death by her parents Jack and Nina Lipe and her brother Scotty Lipe.
She is survived by three daughters and one son, Belinda Browning of Springfield, Susie Felton of Willard, Nina Gott of Springfield and Kevin McDowell of Strafford; eight grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and her two sisters, Pat Hawkins and Sherry Meeks both of Springfield. She is also survived by numerous aunts, nieces, cousins, nephews and a son-in-law.
Visitation will be Thursday, June 13, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Funeral Home North. Graveside services will be Friday, June 14 at 10:00 a.m., in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens with speakers Darl Cameron and friends.
Joyce will be dearly missed and remembered as Mother, Sister, friend and confidant. She leaves us to pass on her many acts of kindness to those we meet. May her favorite catch phrase “Live, Laugh, Love” inspire us all to make it happen.