Joyce was born on May 5, 1941 in Cape Girardeau, MO the daughter of Ivest Goad and Lela (Smoot) Fitzgerald who preceded her in death. On October 29, 1989, she was united in marriage to Clay Warden near Fulton, MO. She worked at the VFW in Illinois for several years. In 2000, she retired from Fulton State Hospital as a security aide. After retirement, her and Clay enjoyed traveling to Myrtle Beach, SC where they spent several winter months there visiting family. Joyce adored her family and loved spending time with them, and she will be missed.
Survivors include: her husband, Clay Warden of the home; one daughter, Edith Salmons of Fulton, MO; three sons, Jerry Martin of Indiana, James Martin of Kentucky and Jimmy Fitzgerald of Illinois; two brothers, Lonnie Smoot and Dean Smoot; two sisters, Jan Elkins and Patricia Spond (Carol Lee); four step children, Gwen Stack, Veronica Bell (Denver), Bo Warden, Robert Warden (Marsha); 23 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her daughter, Jonnetta Loucks and sister, Shirley Smoot.
Visitation will be held on Monday, May 10, 2021 at Debo Funeral Home from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. Funeral service will follow at the funeral home at 11:00 am with Pastor Bruce Williamson officiating. Burial will be in Hillcrest Cemetery, Fulton, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Red Cross, c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251.
