JJoyce Lee Yates, a longtime resident of Henryetta, died July 14, 2017 in Broken Arrow at the age of 86. She was born Sept. 3, 1930 in Clearview, Oklahoma to William Lester Morrow and Lillie Bell (Dennis) Morrow. She married Tommie Joe Yates April 2, 1949 in Okemah. To this union four children were born, Thomas, Janna, Stephen and Dennis.
She worked for many years as receptionist for Dr. Carlton Smith's clinic. She is preceded in death by her husband Tommy J. Yates, a son, Thomas L. Yates, a daughter, Janna Saunders, a granddaughter, Christi Yates, a brother, Robert Morrow, an infant sister, Mary Lou Morrow, as well as two adult sisters, Connie Williams and Deanne Patty, a son-in-law, Kenny Saunders, and two great grandchildren.
She was a member of the Dewar First Baptist Church where she attended faithfully until her health declined. She also taught Sunday School for many years.
She is survived by two sons, Stephen Yates and wife Mary and Dennis Yates and wife Angie; grandchildren: Eric Yates, Kristopher Saunders and wife Tammy,
Kara Castillo and husband Richard, Sarah Reddy and husband Madhav, Bridget Yates, Matthew Yates and Hope, Sarah Yount and husband Reggy, Joshua Boydston and wife Emily and Kaitlin Boydston; 14 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; also by a host of friends, relatives and beloved church family.
Pallbearers will be Eric Yates, Reggy Yount, Madhav Reddy, Kristopher, Saunders, Matthew Yates, Richard Castillo, Ricky Lee Yates, and Joshua Boydston. Honorary pallbearers will be John Daly, Terry Evans, John Lonsdale, Kent Taylor, Damon Smart, and James Melton.
Viewing will be Tuesday from 4 to 8 p.m. with family present to greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Integrity Funeral Service.
Funeral services are scheduled for 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at Dewar First Baptist Church with Rev. Jack Vance and Rev. Ryan Wells officiating. Interment will follow in Westlawn Cemetery under direction of Integrity Funeral Service.