Joyce Ellen Minnick

With her family by her side, Joyce Ellen Minnick passed away Saturday, May 7, 2022, at the age of 79 years. Joyce was born October 31, 1942 in Sulphur, Oklahoma, to Willie Lloyd and Tina Francis (Little) Oliver. She talked fondly of her childhood years growing up in Sulphur and then McAlester with her brother Billy, sister Barbara and many special cousins. Joyce loved the water that came out of the ground from a natural well at a park in Sulphur. To the rest of the family, it tasted as bad as it smelled but she never passed up a chance to have some. Joyce attended McAlester Public Schools graduating with the Class of 1960. Her very first job was at the age of 14 at Dairy Queen where she developed her love of all things fudge. After graduation, Joyce worked at Guy James in Okemah as a Seamstress and later moved to Oklahoma City and worked for a period as a telephone operator with Southwestern Bell. Everything changed when Joyce met the love of her life, Troy Minnick, in October 1962. She would often tell the story of when she saw him standing on a hill talking to her Dad and instantly fell in love. They married on January 5, 1963, at her parent’s home in Okemah. Troy & Joyce shared a love of square dancing and traveled around the state to various venues. Cain’s Ballroom in Tulsa was one of their favorite places with live performances by some of their best-loved artists. During the early part of their marriage, Joyce was a homemaker and tended their two children, Mike and Missy. When the children were older, Joyce began her career at Oakes Elementary School. She was a Paraprofessional for children with intellectual disabilities and loved her students tremendously. She retired in 1992 due to a back injury. Joyce was very well known for her talents as a seamstress. She handcrafted her daughter’s wedding gown and hemmed/stitched/fixed anything brought to her. If someone had a vision, she could make it reality. She loved making matching dresses for her granddaughters and shirts/shorts for the grandsons. Joyce’s name was always the first one mentioned if someone asked about sewing. Joyce was very active with the Okemah Alumni Association even though she was a McAlester graduate. Her love for the community of Okemah led her to volunteer her time and bookkeeping skills. She also served on the Election Board and loved greeting everyone that came to the polls. Joyce’s love of serving others was evident in her involvement with Skyview Baptist Church. She led the Kitchen Committee, volunteered for Vacation Bible School, and served as the Church Treasurer for over ten years. Her love of Christ shined through her daily by how she loved her family. Lots of time was spent around various kitchen tables playing Skip-Bo, Phase 10 or Dominoes. Taking care of her family was her greatest joy. Joyce is survived by her husband, Troy Minnick of the home; son Michael Minnick, Yukon; daughter Missy (David) Fruits of Tonkawa, and sister, Barbara (Ronnie) Norris, Decatur, TX; Nine grandchildren: Ashley Smithee, Okemah; Jacob Minnick, Okemah; Briana (Arley) Lee, Okemah; Kelsey (Jacob) McMillen, Oklahoma City; Shyla Thomas, Shawnee; Zachary (Yana) Fruits, Oklahoma City; Micha (Jacob) Baker, Okemah; Sadie Walker, Okemah; Bella Walker, Okemah; Five Great-Granchildren: Piper Smithee, Okemah; Jenley Smithee, Okemah; Rory Lee, Okemah; Bo Doughty, Okemah; Dooley Baker, Okemah, along with precious nieces, nephews, Daughters-in-law, sisters-in-law and dear cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill & Francis Oliver and one brother Billy Ray Oliver. Memorial services will be held Friday, May 20, 2022 at 2:00 PM at the Skyview Baptist Church of Okemah, Oklahoma under the direction of Parks Brothers Funeral Home.

Joyce Ellen Minnick

October 31, 1942 - May 7, 2022