Joyce Kay Harris

May 7, 1947 - October 12, 2019

Joyce Kay Harris, daughter of the late Hugh Jackson and Wilma (Hivley) Markley, was born May 7, 1947 in Iowa where she grew up and attended school. Joyce moved to California and while there she met a young United States Marine by the name of Bossiz Harris. They were united in marriage on December 24, 1974 in Jacksonville, North Carolina. During their years together, Joyce, Bossiz and their family lived in California (one year), North Carolina (10 years), Japan (3 years) and in 1986 came to the Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri area where they decided to remain. Joyce had the privilege of staying at home and raising her family. She took great pride in taking care of the needs of her family and home. In her spare time, she enjoyed watching TV and was very talented with crocheting and making jewelry. She loved animals and was always taking care of her animals and any strays that came along. Joyce loved her family and treasured the times that she could spend with them, especially the grandchildren. She also enjoyed her church family and was a member of the ASPCA. Joyce passed away Saturday, October 12, 2019, in the Capital Regional Medical Center, in Jefferson City, Missouri having attained the age of 72 years, 5 months and 5 days. She will be sadly missed, but fondly remembered by all those who knew and loved her. Joyce leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Bossiz Harris of the home; two sons, Scott Larson of Estherville, IA, and Bobby Harris (June) of Waynesville, MO; daughter: Cynthia Thomas (Charles) of Peoria, IL; a step-daughter, Tarita Mejia of Waynesville, MO; six grandchildren, Romeo, Carman, and Juan (Victoria) Mejia, and Jessica, Toshia, and Charlotte Thomas; two great-grandchildren, Devin and Addison Mejia; two brothers, Jim Markley of Iowa City, IA, and Jerry Markley of Estherville, IA; her sister, Joan Helt of Iowa City, IA; brother-in-law: Chester C. Harris; sister-in-law: Arcelia Fields; nieces: Lashonne Harris, Vanisha Ward, Chequita Harris, SGT Chemika Harris Duckett, Ava Lorde Harris and Teresa Harris; nephews: Mandel McCarthy, Ellis L. Satchett, Chris Stanfield, Gregory L. Harris, and Chester C. Harris, Jr.; and a host of great nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends. Services were held at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 21, 2019 in the First Baptist Church of St. Robert with Pastor Terrance Golden officiating. Soloist Cassie Allen sang “I’ll Fly Away”, “Amazing Grace” and “God on the Mountain”. Serving as escorts were Bobby Harris, Jay Mounce, Romeo Jejia, Jimmy Charbonneau, Scott Harris and Larry Letter. Burial followed in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery of Waynesville. Services were under the direction of Memorial Chapels and Crematory of Waynesville / St. Robert. Memorial Contributions in memory of Joyce Harris may be left at the funeral home.