Joyce Janelle Ivy

   Joyce Janelle Ivy, 85, of Meridian, passed away at home on Monday, March 3, 2025, surrounded by her loved ones.

   Joyce was born to Johnnie Jefferson and Emma Elizabeth (Caldwell) Foreman on January 21, 1940, in Meridian. Joyce married the love her life, Rufus Franklin Ivy, Jr, on December 13, 1955, in a private ceremony in Meridian. They began their family in Meridian and were together for 49 wonderful years before Rufus passed in 2004. She will be remembered as being a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. 

    Joyce was the light of her family. She was always there with a kind word, bright smile, and her song to bring a smile to your face, “Beans and Bologna”. She was kind to everyone and never met a stranger. She loved the Lord, her church family, Bro. Ben and Bro. Paul, and especially the ladies of her Sunday School class; they all held a special place in her heart. She was a true Southern lady and an excellent Southern cook. She was known for her homemade banana pudding, her cathead biscuits, and her famous fried chicken. She also took pride in being able to make all of her grandchildren’s wedding cakes. Her absence will be deeply felt by who knew and loved her.

    Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Emma Foreman; her husband, Rufus Franklin Ivy, Jr; her sons, Randall Ivy and William Randy Ivy; and her brothers, Johnnie Demetric Foreman and Alton Dewayne Foreman.

    Those left to honor her memory are her son, Ricky Ivy (Gina); her daughters, Robin J. Woodall (Joey Sr) and Rhonda Smith; her grandchildren, Amanda Mercer, Tanya Brantley, Crystal Scott, Lauren McDonald, Erica Newburn, Joseph E. Woodall Jr, James T. Woodall, Kevin Wright (Lindsey), Mary Janelle Smith, and Farron Sherman (Will); her great grandchildren, Alex Tillery, Gavin Alexander, Peyton Scott, Zack Brantley, Brody McDonald, Blayklee McDonald, John Tyler Mercer, Chris Martin, James M. Woodall, Kolton M. Woodall, Aiden C. Woodall, Katey Grisham, Joseph S. Woodall, Corey Woodall, Mya Craven, McKenzie Buntyn, Megan Wright, Chloe Wright, Dillion Wright, Dallas Strickland (Tyler), Dakota Sherman, Holden Sherman, Emily Alexander (Caleb), and Haygen Hardy; her great-great grandchildren, Reed Mathe Alexander, Jon Everette Newburn, Cooper and Mason Buntyn, Ivy Kate Alexander, Ledger McCoy and Haven Grace Wright; along with her favorite Pomeranians, Stella and Bella.

    Visitation for Joyce will be held on Wednesday, March 5th, from 5-8pm at Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North. Funeral Services will take place on Thursday, March 6th, beginning at 1 pm with a visitation from 11am-1pm prior to the service. Joyce will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband in the Union Baptist Church Cemetery.

    Serving as Pallbearers for Joyce’s service will be Matt Woodall, Aiden Woodall, Ricky Ivy, Zack Brantley, Travis Woodall, Kevin Wright, Joey Woodall Jr., Corey Woodall, and Holden Sherman. Serving as Honorary Pallbearers are Tyler Strickland and Jerry Roger. 

    The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude for all of the love, prayers, and meals they have received over the past few weeks in honor of their beloved mother.

    The staff of Webb & Stephens Funeral Homes-North is grateful for the opportunity to honor Joyce’s life and memory and to serve her loving family during this time.