Joyce Elaine (Reeder) Parnell

Joyce Elaine Parnell, 63 of the Lake-Away community in Wiggins, passed away Sunday morning, October 3rd at Memorial Hospital in Gulfport. She was born February 1, 1958 at City Hospital in St. Louis, MO, the oldest child and daughter of Arthur Charles and Themla Mae (Goodman) Reeder. Joyce grew up in Missouri, Illinois and Mississippi over the years, making her home at Lake-a-way for the past twenty. She loved to draw and became very gifted at it as she sharpened her talent along the way. Joyce won the art award while at Brighton High School in Illinois, winning St. Louis Cardinal tickets for herself and all her classmates, an accomplishment she was very proud of. She became quite the cook too, making unique birthday cakes for family and friends, along with some of the best cookies around. Most local to Wiggins remember her as a friendly Walmart associate, working in the apparel department for the past few years. Joyce is remembered as a hard working woman that spoke her mind. You never had to wonder what she thought about anything. If she hadn't already made you aware, just ask her, but be ready for the straight forward answer. Joyce was a wonderful sister, wife and mother, who was also strong willed and determined to say the least. She enjoyed her painting and cooking, making some of the best chili and all from scratch. In her spare time, she enjoyed going out to dinner and spending some time at the slots, where she would often come out ahead. Joyce will be forever missed by all whose life she touched. She was preceded by her father, Arthur Charles Reeder and her aunt, Henrietta Glover. Left to cherish her memories are: her loving husband for the past eighteen years, Larry Parnell; hers and his children: Billy (Tammy) Reeder of Big Level, Kevin Lane (Kim McCorkle) of Ft. Smith, AR, Shelly Parnell of Lucedale, John Parnell of Tupelo and Holly Lane of FL; her mother Thelma Reeder of Big Level; her siblings: brothers Charlie, Bobby and Thomas Reeder, all of McHenry, Richard Reeder of Perkinston, Orville Reeder of Big Level, David Reeder (Kwana Miquette) of Wiggins and Doyle (April) Baker of Glendale, AZ, with her sister Tanya Henske, also of Big Level. Joyce leaves a legacy of twelve grandchildren, two great-grands, with numerous extended family, including her Walmart family and customers. Funeral services are set for Tuesday, October 12th at Trinity Funeral Services in McHenry. Visitation begins at noon, followed by a chapel service at 2 PM. Afterward, Joyce will be laid to rest in the Paramount Baptist Church Cemetery. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Parnell family in their time of need, asking everyone to keep them in your thoughts and prayers through this difficult time.

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