Joyce "Maga" Elmora Lovelace

Joyce "Maga" Elnora Lovelace passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at the age of 94. We will celebrate her life at 4 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2020, at Peaceful Gardens Memorial Park. In support of our city officials and the health of our community, no other guests will be allowed to attend the in-person event at this time. A live stream of the service is available and available for thirty days on this tribute page. You are encouraged to sign a virtual guestbook by selecting the icon and below the obituary is a place to share memories and expressions of sympathy.Joyce Elnora was born on March 4, 1926, to W.E. "Buck" and Estel Johnson in Wills Point, Texas. She raised two sons, David and Wayne, and one daughter, Shirley. On June 21st, 1967, Joyce married Bob Lovelace in Lubbock, Texas, where she lived until her passing.Maga, as she was called by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren was known for her resourcefulness and creativity, which she passed along to everyone that knew her in one way or another. She taught her family to make the most of what they had and to create their own happiness.Growing up during the Great Depression, she was instilled with the attitude to never waste anything needlessly. As a result, her many collections are a time capsule of days gone by, and always evoke memories from anyone curious enough to go digging in her shed. And “Maga” was always ready for the company. She had an open door for anyone that wanted to visit, and much like the customs of the 1940s and 50s, you would seldom find it locked.She loved to decorate for any and every holiday. During her later years, wanting to get the most out of her efforts, she put her Christmas tree up in November — but ingeniously decorated it with pumpkins and scarecrows to fit the season. The “Thanksgiving Tree” became a tradition as familiar as the two elves that would appear under her Christmas trees each year, her bright and colorful Easter baskets that she loved to assemble, or her famous iced tea.Joyce won an award in high school for writing the following short poem, which reflects the attitude she had towards living perfectly:Yesterday was but a memorytomorrow is, but a dream.So make the mostof the day,in between.She was preceded in death by her parents, "Buck" and Estel May Johnson; husband of forty-five years, Bob Lovelace; son, David McNelly; grandchild, Tiffany McNelly Groves; two brothers, Ed Johnson, and Walter Johnson; two sisters, Doris Johnson Michael, and Lois Johnson Byrd.Survivors include her daughter, Shirley Schleuse; son, Wayne McNelly daughter-in-law, Linda McNelly, her grandchildren, Mike, Debbie, Trisha, Angela, Jody, Denise, and Joe David; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; two brothers, Jerry Johnson, and wife, Mary; Jimmy Johnson and wife, Nancy; sister-in-law, Jean Johnson; sister-in-law, Sheron Johnson, and many nieces and nephews.