Joyce Greaves Stewart

Mrs. Stewart was born September 20th 1930, in Jackson, MS. She attended Mississippi University for Women & went on to receive a degree in art from Ringling College of Art in Sarasota, Florida. After college, she worked as a Draftsperson for Michael Baker Engineers in Jackson. She married James H Stewart Jr in 1964.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Elmore Douglass Greaves Sr & Mamie Gray Greaves and her brothers Elmore Douglass Greaves & Peyton Cook Greaves. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, James Herschel (Jim) Stewart Jr, her daughters Sadie Syer (and husband Lee), Sarah Orecchia (Emilio), and Elizabeth Stewart, in addition to her granddaughters, Ginny Sanders (Will), Katie Thomas, Victoria Privdaka (Chase) & Elizabeth & Amelia Orecchia as well as her 2 great grandchildren Liam & Kate Sanders along with many beloved nieces and nephews.

Joyce grew up in Jackson, and after graduating from college, she spent some time living in Europe with her daughter Sadie, from her first marriage. Upon her return she met and married Jim Stewart in 1964. He adopted Sadie and they went on to have 2 more daughters, Sarah & Elizabeth, and were married for almost 54 years. Joyce & Jim's adoration for each other was truly boundless.

Jim was a daily visitor at Manhattan Nursing home where Joyce spent the last 4 years. His jolly face & sunny attitude brought light to her days as well as to the other residents and staff who took exceptional care of Joyce, which the entire family will be eternally grateful for.

Joyce dearly treasured all of her relatives and spent many weekends with her husband and daughters visiting older family members, who loved the extra help & attention, and she enjoyed these visits immensely. Perhaps, partially because her parents died when she was in her teens, and these loved ones, and their stories, reminded her of times when they were all together with her parents when she was younger.

Joyce was a true Christian who believed in helping others and reinforced those values to her family. Her parents were among the first members of The Chapel of the Cross in Madison and Joyce and her family followed suit. Her heart was truly dedicated to The Chapel of the Cross.

Joyce was very creative, and painted for many years as well as working as a volunteer at the Mississippi Museum of Art. She designed their family home inside and out and was a keen gardener who served as president of the Sherwood Forest Garden Club for many years. Joyce was an excellent cook, as was Jim, & their house was often filled with the joyful sounds of celebratory evenings filled with great food, fun company & good cheer.

Joyce had terrific sense of humour- her turn of phrase and witty observations were legendary. She was very encouraging as well, and one of her favorite sayings which she oft delivered to anyone needing a nudge or a lift of spirits was 'you can achieve whatever you want in life, if you just set your mind to it'.

Indeed, Joyce herself achieved a lot. She had a very full and complete life that was filled with an adoring husband, family and friends who will always have the deepest love, affection and admiration for her. She will be missed greatly.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Chapel of the Cross, to Parkinsons' charities or the charity of one's choice.