Joyce Yvonne (Lawson) Bays

Joyce Yvonne (Lawson) Bays was born September 3, 1941, at Leadington, Missouri, in St. Francios County. She was the daughter of Vernal and Leta (Stricklin) Lawson. Joyce grew up in Frank Clay, Missouri until her early teen years when her family moved to Viburnum. Joyce married the love of her life, Glen Lavern Bays, on September 26, 1958, and to this union two children were born: Dennis and Debra, who later blessed them with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Joyce and Glen enjoyed over fifty years of marriage together before his passing April 14, 2009. Joyce was a dedicated homemaker where she took great pride in the care of her husband, children, and in later years her grandchildren. She enjoyed tending to her garden while sharing and canning her bounty. At times she could be found shopping with QVC, listening to gospel music, and studying her Bible. Joyce loved spending time with her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren brought her great joy, and she cherished the memories made with them. Her faith, family, and friends truly were the most important pieces of her life. She was a long-time member to Boss Assembly of God Church. Joyce had a servant’s heart and loved to serve and help with the funeral dinners. Joyce entered Heaven on September 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family, at Parkland Health Center in Farmington, Missouri, at the age of eighty-four years. She is survived by her son: Dennis Bays and wife Cheryl of Farmington, MO; daughter: Debra Cole and husband David of Labadie, MO; brothers: Jack Lawson and wife Frances and Donald Lawson and wife Vicki; grandchildren: Erin Douglas and husband Kyle, Ryan Cole and wife Nichole, and Tyler Bays and wife Sara; great-grandchildren: Sydney, Xander, Everett, and Hudson; as well as several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends. Preceding her in death were her husband: Glen Bays; parents: Vernal and Leta (Stricklin) Lawson; sister: Sharon Lawson; and brothers: Vernon Lawson, David Lawson, and Ronald Lawson. Joyce leaves behind a legacy that will continue to shine in the lives she has touched along the way. She will be forever missed. Funeral Services for Joyce Yvonne (Lawson) Bays were held Tuesday, September 23, 2025, in the Wilson Mortuary Viburnum Chapel with Pastor Paul Davis officiating. Special Music was provided. Serving as Pallbearers were Ryan Cole, Tyler Bays, Kyle Douglas, Dennis Bays, David Cole, and Donald Lawson. Honorary Pallbearers were Jack Lawson, Xander Douglas, Hudson Cole, and Everett Cole. Burial was in the Upper Indian Creek Cemetery. Arrangements were under the direction of Wilson Mortuary of Viburnum, Missouri. Condolences may be left online at www.wilsonmortuary.com

Joyce Yvonne (Lawson) Bays

September 3, 1941 - September 17, 2025