Joyce Floate English, 95, of Independence, MS, passed away peacefully on September, 15, 2026, at Providence Assisted Living in Senatobia, MS. Joyce was born on October 1, 1930 to Archie and Lottie Mae Floate. Shortly after graduating high school, she married the love of her life James English on September 17, 1949. She lived in the Independence community for 77 years. Joyce was a devoted Mother and Granny. She was a homemaker who loved her family and found great joy in raising her two children. She spent many of her days keeping her three grandchildren when they were younger and spoiling them throughout the years. She enjoyed long shopping trips with her daughter and granddaughters, cooking, and baking for her family. Joyce was well known by many for her desserts especially her Elvis Presley cake and divinity candy. She loved spending time with the family's beloved dogs, Bella, Hank, and Khloe, who brought great joy to her life and held a special place in her heart. Joyce is survived by her daughter Pam Ray (Kenny) of Coldwater, MS; three grandchildren, Crystal Taylor, Brandy Taylor, and Blake Taylor (Natalie) of Independence, MS; sisters, Dorothy Smith and Sara Lee of Olive Branch, MS; brother, Allen Floate (Linda) of Olive Branch, MS.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband James of 42 years, parents Archie and Lottie Mae Floate, son Robert "Bobby" English, sisters Frances Smart Poss, Mary Ellen Wells, Charlotte Bowlan, and Ernestine Edlin; brothers Stanley Floate, Jerry Floate, and James "Bud" Floate.
The family would like to extend a special "Thank You" to the administration and nursing staff at Providence Assisted Living and AccentCare Home Health in Senatobia.
In lieu of flowers the family request memorials to be sent to Mt. Zion Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, St. Jude Children's Hospital, or LeBonheur Children's Hospital. Mt. Zion Baptist Church 9290 Hwy 306 Coldwater, MS 38618
