Joyce Johnson

Joyce (Wallis) Johnson, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on November 22, 2024 at the age of 89. She was born on September 23, 1935, on the family farm in Burns Flat, Oklahoma, to George Jefferson Wallis and Audrie May (Hollingsworth) Wallis.

Joyce grew up in western Oklahoma and attended school in Burns Flat through her junior year before earning her GED as an adult. She lived most of her life in the Burns Flat area before moving to Norman, Oklahoma, in 1990.

A woman of deep faith, Joyce was a longtime member of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Burns Flat and the United Methodist Church of Cordell. She expressed her devotion to her faith and her community through creative contributions, including teaching Sunday school and organizing church luncheons.

Joyce was an incredibly talented pianist, playing by ear and learning songs simply by listening. She loved gospel music and often filled her home and church with beautiful melodies. She also expressed her creativity through ceramic work, including a cherished nativity scene she made and painted by hand for her daughter, Sherry. Joyce was a skilled cook, and her son Steve, fondly remembers her angel food cake and other delicious meals.

She earned several certifications throughout her life, including a cosmetology license, H&R Block Income Tax School certification, and certification as a Health Home Aid. Her favorite color was pink, and her perfect day would have been a warm fall day spent with her family, whom she loved deeply.

Joyce was married for over 30 years to Donald Johnson, who preceded her in death.

She is survived by her children, Sherry Eller and her husband Jon of Norman, Oklahoma, and Steve Johnson of Weatherford, Oklahoma. Joyce is also survived by her grandchildren, Kyle Johnson and his wife Wendy, Colt Christian, and Jason Eller and his wife Molly, as well as her great-grandchildren, Cannen Johnson, Evynn Johnson, Alexia Eller, Caroline Eller, Samuel Eller, and Finn Eller. She leaves behind numerous other family members and friends who will miss her dearly.

Joyce was also preceded in death by her parents, Jeff and Audrie; siblings, Dave Clifford Wallis and Ethel Jorine Wallis and her daughter Janell Johnson.

Joyce will be remembered as a devoted Christian, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a creative, talented woman who brought music, warmth, and joy to those around her.