Obituary of Joyce Estelle Powell

Joyce Estelle (McGaughey) Powell was born December 7, 1926 in Harrison, Arkansas to Joe Munsey and Marjorie (Armstrong) McGaughey and passed from this life on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at the age of 96.

After graduating from high school in Harrison, Joyce attended university at Brenau College in Gainesville, Georgia, and then transferred to Arkansas State Teachers’ College in Conway, from which she graduated in 1948 with a degree in Journalism. For two years she taught English, Journalism, and Drama at Pryor High School in Pryor, Oklahoma, before marrying Charles J. Powell in 1950. They lived in Vinita, Oklahoma until 1967, when the family moved to Tulsa.

Joyce was an avid collector of old and rare books, and a talented writer, illustrator, painter, photographer, and gardener. She often said that her proudest accomplishment was raising her three children; but she also won photography competitions, wrote and illustrated fashion advertisements for department stores, managed bookshops, published poetry in Massachusetts Review, and was president of the Tulsa Orchid Club.

Joyce was a wise and gentle soul, and her example of modesty, love for others, and unwavering commitment to family will live forever in the hearts of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Charles J. Powell, and her sister Carol McGaughey Mead. She is survived by her children and their spouses, Julie Powell Thomas and husband Scott, Thomas C. Powell and wife Alissa, and John M. Powell and wife Andrea; seven grandchildren, Lauren, Katherine, Patrick, Taylor, Charles, Kevin, and Mark; and two great-grandchildren, Isabel and Arlo.

Her funeral will be held 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 28, 2023 at the Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel.

In lieu of donations or flowers, please take a moment of silence, in loving gratitude for all those who have given generously of themselves for the growth and well-being of others.

Ninde Funeral & Cremation | (918) 742-5556 | www.ninde.com