Velma Joyce Woodward

Velma “Joyce” Woodward was born September 3, 1933; her maiden name was Luna. She lived a typical farm-girl life, growing up in Texas, within the cities of Greenville, Royce City, and Whitewright. Her childhood was spent picking cotton, tending to animals, and tending to vegetable gardens.

Joyce met Elwin “Leoid” Lillard via correspondence while he was serving in the US Army and stationed in Korea. They married on December 5th, 1951, upon his return to the States. Joyce and Leoid had 3 daughters: Sandra Gail Hancock, Donna Verlyne Thorpe, and Nancy Ophelia Idema. Leoid was later deployed to Vietnam and, as a military family, they traveled a lot. Joyce and the girls had to adapt to a military lifestyle. Eventually, the family settled in Wylie, Texas, where they could be closer to his parents. On February 10, 1986, many years after moving the family to Tempe, Arizona, Leoid passed away from heart complications.

As a widow, Joyce was primarily self-educated. Her career with State Farm Insurance Company advanced until her retirement. While loyally attending Tempe First Assembly of God, she met Louis Woodward, who soon asked her if she would like to “Join him for a slice of pie and a cup of coffee.” They were later married in May of 1999. They had a happy marriage together living in Sun Lakes, Arizona, until Louis’ passing, on August 2, 2022. Joyce stated that Louis was the love of her life; filling their days with laughter and humor with the wonderful bond that they shared together.

At the age of 92, Joyce has been the matriarchal pillar of the family; a steadfast example of unwavering faith built upon the Rock, our Savior, Jesus Christ. She has been a joyful parishioner of Without Walls Church in Mesa, Arizona, for many years.

Joyce is survived by her 2 sisters, Wanda Huie and Melba “Ruth “ Senne (William). She is also survived by her children through marriage to Louis: Steve Woodward, Brenda Popp, and Bonnie Sue Bell. In addition to her 3 aforementioned daughters, her legacy continues through her 7 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, and innumerable great-great-grandchildren. She will be sorely missed by all. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind

A visitation will be held on October 2, 2025, from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary, located at 200 West Beardsley Road, Phoenix, Arizona.

The funeral service will follow on the same day from 10:30 am to 11:30 am at the same location.

A graveside service is scheduled for October 2, 2025, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm at Phoenix Memorial Park and Mortuary.