Melba “Joyce” Paul, age 86, of Exeter, Missouri, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, April 30, 2022, after a long illness. She was born on
She was born on October 17, 1935, in Lorenzo, Texas, to Ernest and Velma (Reilly) Norwood. On December 31, 1955, in Exeter, Missouri, Joyce and Junior Paul were married, and this union lasted until February 11, 2007, when Junior passed away. Also preceding her in death were her parents; brothers, Homer and Winford Norwood and sister, Eloise Stephens.
Surviving are: her sister and best friend, Wanda Paul of Cassville, Missouri; son, Gary Paul and his wife Kelly of Exeter, Missouri; grandson, Nathan Maloney and his wife Hillary of Carl Junction, Missouri; granddaughter, Lindy Coldiron and her husband Jeff of Owasso, Oklahoma; and great grandchildren, Baker, Cooper and Logan.
At age three her family moved to the Butterfield, Missouri, area from Texas. She attended grade school in Butterfield and graduated from Cassville High School. At a young age she accepted the Lord and followed in faithful service her entire life. Beginning in 1964 until recently due to her failing health Joyce was an active member of the First Baptist Church of Exeter where she taught Sunday school and played both the piano and organ. Joyce loved and cherished her time with family, never missing an opportunity to be involved until her health declined, at which time she enjoyed watching every family video and looking at every photo that she could view. Joyce retired from the Continental Telephone Company after 27 years of service, working in both Cassville and Branson. She enjoyed gardening, working in her flowers, sewing, reading and spending precious time with her family.
The family would like to thank Amazing Grace Senior Care for the wonderful full-time end of life care they provided, including the grace and respect shown to our mother, grandmother and family. God bless each one of you!
Services were held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, May 6, 2022, at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville. Pastor Jerry Yarnall conducted the services. Burial was at Maplewood Cemetery in Exeter.
The family received friends from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Fohn Funeral Home in Cassville.
Contributions may be made to First Baptist Church of Exeter or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in memory of Joyce.
