Joyce Adron Owensby

Joyce Adron Owensby, a beloved teacher's assistant at Hope Sullivan Elementary School, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2025, in Southaven, MS. Born on March 14, 1953, in Millington, TN, Joyce was known for her sweet disposition, kindness, and an immeasurable love for her family that guided her through all aspects of life.

Joyce dedicated her life to being a loving mother and grandmother, something she cherished above all else. Her son, Douglas Owensby II, and daughter, Jennifer Presson, found in their mother a steadfast and nurturing presence. She proudly watched her grandchildren, Lucas, Stella, and Brooklyn, grow, fostering their love for life and lending them the unconditional support only a grandmother can offer. Sunday church services were a cherished family tradition, a time when her entire family gathered together to share in faith and love.

The memories of Joyce are a tapestry of warmth and laughter, woven together through cherished moments spent around the dinner table, where delicious meals were shared and heartfelt conversations flourished. Joyce had a special knack for creating a safe haven for the children in her neighborhood. She could often be seen packing her car full of kids, taking them to church, always with a smile on her face. Known for her generosity, she regularly made grilled cheese sandwiches and Kool-Aid for every child in the neighborhood, embodying the spirit of motherly love that extended far beyond her own family.

Joyce was also a passionate shopper, relishing outings with her family to places like Five Below or sharing special mother-daughter-grandmother shopping trips. Late nights were often spent in joyful bonding over episodes of Gilmore Girls, where she instilled her love for companionship in the quiet moments they shared. Those late-night conversations, where they talked about everything under the sun, painted memories that will forever color the hearts of her loved ones.

A devoted daughter, Joyce leaves behind her mother, April (Bass) Szuhay, daughter-in-law Kristi Owensby, along with her brother, Robert Szuhay (Elise), and sisters, Jeanne Szuhay and Marjorie Bennett (Mike). Together, they carry forward her legacy of love and kindness. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Douglas Owensby, Sr., who adored her deeply, and her father, Orie Szuhay.

Joyce will be profoundly missed, not just for the warmth she brought to her family, but for the countless lives she touched with her unwavering love and support, forever remembered as a kind and giving matriarch who made the world a softer, gentler place.