Joyce Ann Melendez

Joyce Ann Melendez, a former resident of Pleasant Valley and current resident of Ft. Smith, Arkansas passed from this life on Tuesday, April 19, 2016 in Ft. Smith at the age of 67. Joyce was born on April 21, 1948 in Arizona to Oliver and Wilma Phipps. Joyce grew up in Arizona and later moved to Oklahoma in 1972. Joyce was married to the love of her life, Carlos Melendez in Tucson, Arizona. During her life, Joyce worked as a home health/nurse provider, a housekeeper, a truck driver, and she worked briefly as a policewoman in Arizona. Joyce loved to do embroidery, to work outside in her garden, and adored her pet dogs. Most of all, Joyce was a loving daughter, sister, wife, grandmother and friend. And her family will miss her deeply. She is preceded in death by both parents; two brothers, Howard and Oliver Ray Phipps, and a grandchild, DeeWayne Melendez, Jr. Joyce is survived by her husband, Carlos of the home; a son, DeeWayne Melendez and wife Mary of Henryetta; a son, Eugene Melendez of Okmulgee; a daughter, Delphia Adair and husband Paul of Van Buren, Arkansas; grandchildren, Brandon Melendez of Sallisaw, Jeffery Melendez of Ft. Smith, Angelina Melendez of Ft. Smith, Sarah Petruska of Henryetta, Jonathan Petruska of Henryetta, Levi Young of Ft. Smith, and Mikayla Varvel of Brennan, TX; by numerous other extended family and many good friends. Viewing will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at Integrity Funeral Service in Henryetta from 9am until 12 noon. A Graveside funeral will be held on Wednesday, April 27, 2016 at 2:00pm at Westlawn Cemetery with Rev. Mark Caldwell officiating. Interment will follow immediately at Westlawn Cemetery under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service of Henryetta.