Joyce Mary (Armstrong) Haynes was born on July 25, 1931, in Leona, Wisconsin to Elmer and Nina (Foust) Armstrong. She was one of ten children and the eldest of the only set of twins. In 1946, Elmer Armstrong moved his family to Winona, Missouri where she met Vernon Haynes and they were married on June 28, 1958. They shared over fifty-seven years together before Vernon’s untimely death in 2016. To this union two children were born, Dale Haynes and Donna (Haynes) Alexander.
Joyce was first and foremost a servant of God. She faithfully served God for over seventy years. She is a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church in Winona, where she taught Sunday School for sixty+ years. The evidence of her faithfulness to God can be seen in many generations in this community. At the time of her birth, Joyce’s parents were in a boat, fishing when her mother said, “It was time!” And true to her first moments, she had a love for fishing. Joyce was never happier than when she was in church or had a fishing pole in her hand. Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother to all, not just those that belonged to her biologically. Many neighbors and friends referred to her as “Grandma Joyce.”
Joyce is proceeded in death by her husband Vernon; her parents Elmer and Nina; and eight siblings, Elvira, Hellen, Dorothy, Arnold, Howard, Clayton, Jim, and Gladys Jean.
She is survived by one sister, Hazel Armstrong of Winona; her children, Dale Haynes and wife Tina of Winona, Donna Alexander and husband Joe of Springfield, Missouri; one grandson, Justin Alexander and Brittany of Liberal, Kansas; two granddaughters, Whitney Thompson and Lindell of Winona, Mikki Dee Buckner and Cody of Winona; and seven great-grandchildren, Gabe Bridgeforth, Hadlee Alexander, Macie Alexander, Raylan Thompson, Thatcher Thompson, Kooper Buckner, and Brecken Alexander.
Joyce lived a life of servanthood and never met a stranger. She LOVED everyone unconditionally. If Joyce could have one last comment here, she would encourage each and every one of you to have a relationship with your Lord and Savior and to find a church that you too can serve in.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Monday, March 29, 2021, at First Baptist Church, Winona, Missouri with Rev. Cody Buckner, Rev. Steve Voyles, Rev. Darrell Jones, and Bro. Nick Smotherman officiating. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 1:00-3:00 p.m. also at First Baptist Church. Interment will be in Falling Springs Cemetery in Winona, Missouri. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Baptist Church in Winona, Missouri c/o Gail Smotherman P.O. Box 151 Winona, Missouri 65588. Condolences may be expressed at www.yarbermortuary.com.