Joyce was born in Lowville, N.Y., to a very musical family. She was raised on bluegrass and showed a true passion for playing a variety of instruments, including guitar and piano, from a very young age. Growing up surrounded by music would prove to be a blessing throughout her life. In recent years, Joyce was a pianist for her church, Hills Chapel Baptist Church, where she was able to share her musical talents with the other members of the congregation. For the past 20+ years, she was also an active member of Magnolia Dulcimers, touring several states across the southeast with her husband, Larry, to play at dulcimer and music festivals. A highlight was playing Pickin’ on the Square in Corinth, Miss. For much of her life, Joyce also enjoyed sharing her gift with others by giving piano and dulcimer lessons to children and the young at heart alike. While she did enjoy playing for an audience and her students, she really loved jam sessions with family and friends in her own home. She was truly in her element surrounded by loved ones in her music room. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Albert and Martha Vollmar, and siblings Fred, Ritchie, and Donnie Vollmar. She is survived by her loving husband, Larry Kendall; daughters Reneé Duffy of Pensacola, Fla., and Leana Gargus (Rickey) of Booneville, Miss.; sons Richard “Ricky” C. Way, IV, of Booneville, Miss., and Robert A. Way of Booneville, Miss.; as well as by many nieces and nephews. She also leaves her grandchildren Alisha Latham (David) of Ozark, Ark.; Kristen Brown (Shane) of Pensacola, Fla.; Taylor Bayliss (Wes) of Lewisburg, Tenn.; Amanda Hargett (Bryan) of Booneville, Miss.; Kayla McCreary (Raygan) of Beaver Creek, Ohio; Jill Croswell (Jack) of Robertsdale, Ala.; Richard Way of Booneville, Miss.; and Ryan Way of Booneville, Miss.; as well as 12 great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at McMillan Funeral Home in Booneville on Saturday, March 25, 2023, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. and immediately followed by the service at 1 p.m. There will be no graveside service. For their support during the visitation and service, the family would like to recognize and thank Bro. Charles Provine and Bro. Don Trussell and pallbearers Ricky Way, Rickey Gargus, Robert Way, Richard Way, Ryan Way, and David Latham. Condolences may be left at www.mcmillanfuneralhome.com.
