Joyce Lynn Shaffer Haymes departed this life peacefully and joined her forever love Butch in Heaven on Monday, January 1, 2024, at her home in Gilbert, AZ at the age of 79 years, 9 months and 1 day after enduring years of chronic health issues.

She was born March 31, 1944, in Antioch, California to Jonathan Lee Shaffer and Marjorie Jean Lane Shaffer. Joyce graduated from Hillcrest High School, Springfield, MO in 1962 and then attended Draughon Business College before marrying Albert Lee “Butch” Haymes on December 15, 1962, in Springfield, MO after he returned home from his Army deployment.  From this union they were blessed to have four children and the couple were able to celebrate their 60^th wedding anniversary in Arizona with the family present before Albert passed away in 2023 from Lewy Body Dementia.

Joyce was known as a sweet and loving woman who usually had a tasty meal, chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon rolls ready to share at a moment’s notice. She dearly loved to sing in the church choir, go to garage sales, decorate every room of her house for Christmas, knit baby blankets, sew draperies, host family gatherings and spend quality time with her kids and grandkids.  Every child has stories of how Grandma Joyce took the time to talk to them, teach them cooking or gardening, watch Judge Judy or Wheel of Fortune and make them feel so special and loved.

Joyce who always supported and encouraged Albert joined him in various side endeavors while he was working at the Springfield Fire Department. Most notably they owned and operated B&J Interior Designs making and installing custom window treatments for many years.  After closing B&J Interior Designs, Joyce became an insurance agent with American National Insurance and founded the Haymes Insurance Agency in Nixa, MO.  She was ecstatic when her son David decided to join the business, she built in 1997 and after she retired she was so proud to watch her legacy continue to grow and thrive under his leadership.  Albert and Joyce spent their entire married life in the Springfield, Elkland and Nixa, MO areas until 18 months ago when they moved to Gilbert, AZ to get assistance caring for Albert.   At the time of her death, Joyce was a member of South Gate Baptist Church in Springfield, MO but spent many years serving at North Nixa Baptist Church in Nixa, MO and Ridgecrest Baptist Church in Springfield, MO.

Preceding her in death were her parents, Jonathan Lee and Marjorie Jean Shaffer; stillborn daughter Tracie Michelle Haymes and husband Albert Lee Haymes, Jr.  Survivors include; daughters Lori Clark and husband James of Gilbert, AZ, Sandi Zwingle and husband Kevin of Nixa, MO, and son David Haymes and wife Jennie of Springfield, MO.   Brothers Ronald Shaffer and wife Susan of Amarillo, TX and Steven Shaffer and wife Linda of Springfield, MO.  Sister Kathy Brown and husband Jay of Greenfield, MO.  Grandchildren, Ashli Morgan and husband Eric, Krista Kilian and husband Caleb, Jacob Clark and wife Anna, Peyton Goodman and husband Derrick, Zack Zwingle, Samantha Lott and husband Patrick, Joe Haymes and wife Gracie.  Great grandchildren that always made her smile, Jet Morgan, Chloe Kilian, Ellie Clark, Olen Lott, Hazel Lott and Brooklynn Haymes and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at Greenlawn (North) Funeral Home at 1:00pm on Friday, January 19, 2024, with service and graveside immediately following at 2:00pm. Attendees are encouraged to wear pink in celebration of Joyce’s life as it was her favorite color. Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Springfield, MO. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.   Online condolences may be shared at www.greenlawnfuneralhome.com.