Obituary of Joyce Ann Thomas

Joyce Ann Payton was born on January 10, 1939, in Middlesboro, Kentucky.   She was one of four children born from Jessie Brooks.   Joyce would attend Monroe High School.   She would marry the love of her life, Richard Thomas in Monroe, Michigan on November 15, 1958.   Together, the couple would be blessed with seven children of their own. 

Joyce enjoyed games of chance.   She did not miss an opportunity to visit the local casino.   She was also quite fond of taking a night on the town with her closest friends to enjoy BINGO.   One of her most cherished past times was that of playing cards with her family and friends.   She did not have a preferred game of cards to play as she liked all of them!

Joyce Ann Thomas, age 82, of Maryville, Tennessee, formerly of Maybee, Michigan, passed away at Beverly Place Healthcare and Rehab Center in Knoxville, Tennessee on Thursday; October 14, 2021.   Her passing was preceded by her parents; her husband:  Richard; one son:  James Thomas; one daughter-in-law; and three brothers: Troy Payton, Leroy Brown, and Mike Brown.

To cherish her memory, she leaves six children: Tonia (Larry) Bobich of Maybee, Michigan; Clifford Thomas of Monroe; Jeffrey Thomas (Michael Valdez) of Fort Lauderdale, Florida; Dianna (Dennis) Hoffman of Culleoka, Tennessee; Richard (Kim) Thomas, Jr. of Ida, Michigan, and Leslie (Jason) Wheat of Walland, Tennessee; eleven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; and one daughter-in-law: Jennifer Thomas.  

According to her wishes a private burial has taken place next to her husband at Roselawn Memorial Park in LaSalle, Michigan, and no public services are planned.   Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070 has been entrusted with her care.

Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.