Joyce J. McCleery passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023. Visitation and services will take place at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home with burial following at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Friday, July 28, 2023. Services will be 10:00 am Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Chapel with Reverend Brian Coats officiating.
Joyce was born on January 24, 1940 in Kaufman, Texas to Hubert and Rosa Myers. She graduated in 1958 from Terrell High School and attended Baylor University completing a Bachelor’s degree in Education in 1962. After seminary training in early childhood education, her public school teaching career began in Dallas, Texas where she taught elementary school. She continued teaching as a military wife in Dover, Delaware and after military life in Waco, Texas until she accepted a kindergarten teaching position at First Baptist Church. Following her teaching career, Joyce volunteered actively for the Parent Teacher Association of Waco schools and Historic Waco Foundation. She also became a member of Central Christian Church in Waco.
Joyce informally studied art and became an accomplished artist perfecting her talent for painting with oils, acrylics, and watercolor. She enjoyed traveling and reminiscing about various trips in the States and abroad. She became enthusiastic about golf after college and started playing for fun later in life. Playing bridge with various groups over many years was another of the hobbies she enjoyed. Joyce was also a lifelong Baylor University football and athletics supporter and fan. Her favorite pastime was spending time with her children and grandchildren! She was always in the front row seat for the kids’ events, including sports games, ballet and choral recitals and an endless variety of competitions.
Joyce was preceded in death by two granddaughters, Hannah Elle McCleery and Madeline Jane Shrinivas. Joyce and her husband Philip McCleery celebrated 60 years of marriage in December. Joyce is survived by her sister, Barbara Martin and husband Ken of Roby, Texas. Her children include Wendy Papaioannou and husband Chris of Asheville, North Carolina, Stephen McCleery of Houston, Texas and Leah Shrinivas and husband Ashwin of Waco, Texas. Her grandchildren include John Philip Post of Benfleet, England, George Ryan Papaioannou, Sam Edward McCleery and Simon Mitchell Shrinivas.
Pallbearers are Chris Papaioannou, Ashwin Shrinivas, Stephen McCleery, John Philip Post, Sam McCleery and Michael Gulig.
Memorials may be made in honor of Joyce McCleery to a charity of choice. The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our “Tribute Wall” at www.WHBfamily.com.
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