Evelyn “Joyce” Salley was born August 31, 1943 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, the 9th of 15 children born to George and Zelma Salley, 12 girls and 3 boys. She was a dark-eyed, dark-haired girl with a smile that would light up a room, the heart of a servant, and those dimples…
Joyce graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s degree in education while being a mom to her babies, Dawn Renee and Derek Gene. And so, began her career as a public school teacher. During her career as an educator, Joyce taught 2nd-5th grades at both Oliver Elementary School in Kiefer, from 1973-1993 and at Lone Star School from the Fall of 1993 until retirement. To teach is to touch a life forever and one can ever tell where their influence stops. She had a way of making each student feel loved and special, she was the favorite of many and planted seeds that no doubt will last a lifetime.
Joyce was the proud grandmother to Tyler Calvin, Jacob Voss, Courtney Calvin Ginn, Kaitlyn Calvin Dean and Jared Voss and her identity changed to “Grams.” Her grandchildren adored her. She threw the best slumber parties and “what happened at Grams, stayed at Grams.” The chocolate milk, donuts, sundaes, and banana splits were legendary.
Joyce married the love of her life, William “Bill” Adams in July 2000. Bill said he knew from the first date that he was smitten and was going to marry her.
When the two families merged it didn’t take long to realize that “ABCD” had been born: Andrea, Brenda, Carri, Dawn and Derek. Joyce also became Grams to Brandi, Blake, Meghan and Michael. Joyce’s love languages were gift giving, acts of service and quality time and she was without a doubt the most kind, generous, self-less woman and the truest example of putting others before herself. When the great-grands started arriving she took the spoiling to the next level. Grams had the best selection of popsicles in Creek County, an endless supply of bubbles and play-doh, and a recliner always ready for two or more to watch a good Disney movie.
Joyce and Bill loved to travel and visited Europe, Canada and Mexico. Joyce also visited every state in the United States except North Dakota!
Joyce leaves behind her husband, Bill Adams; children Renee Voss (Jerry) and Derek Calvin (Tracie); Andrea Adams, Carri Adams Ralston (David); grandchildren, Brandi Morgan (John), Blake Feeback (Cindy), Tyler Calvin (Rachel), Jacob Voss (Carrie), Courtney Calvin Ginn (Michael), Michael Ralston, Kaitlyn Calvin Dean (Kamden), Meghan Ralston Brown (Heath) and Jared Voss (Eden). Great Grandchildren Hayley Meeks, Madison Morgan, Mallory Morgan, Brayden Ralston, Beckham Ralston, Jocelyn Ginn, Jase Dean, Brooklyn Feeback, Maggie Morgan, her namesake Evelyn Calvin, Julianne Ginn, Kamree Sue Brown and Pierce Calvin. Her sisters Violet, Jean, Margie, Carol, JoAnn, Gloria, Sherry and Delinda and her brothers Glenn and Kenny; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins; and lots of fur babies, as we all know that all the fur babies of all kinds got the royal treatment too.
Joyce is preceded in death by her parents George and Zelma Salley, her oldest brother G.W. Salley, her sister Helen, her youngest sister Donna and a sister who passed as a baby, Virgina Lou. And her daughter Brenda Adams.
IN LIEU OF FLOWERS DONATIONS CAN BE MADE “IN HONOR OF JOYCE ADAMS” TO KIEFER PUBLIC SCHOOLS FOUNDATION – PO BOX 645 KIEFER, OK 74041.
Visitation – Thursday January 3, 2019 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm at Green Hill Funeral Home Chapel Sapulpa.
Funeral Service – Friday January 4, 2019 at 10:00am at First Christian Church in Kiefer.
Final Resting Place Green hill Memorial Gardens Sapulpa.
