Joyce Etta Elliott

Joyce Elliott, age 91, of Tecumseh, passed away Monday, March 3, 2025 in Oklahoma City.

She was born May 3, 1933 in Asher, OK to Ralph and Myrtle (Enlow) Rich.

Joyce lived in Asher during her early years. The family moved to Tecumseh around the time she started college.

She played basketball and graduated in 1951 as class valedictorian from Asher High School. She completed her bachelor’s degree in home economics at East Central State College, graduating in 1955.  Later she earned her master's degree in education at East Central.

Joyce worked as a home demonstration agent in Watonga shortly before marrying James Elliott in Tecumseh on January 15, 1956. They lived a short while in Seminole and Louisiana before they returned to Oklahoma. Several years later she started her teaching career at St. Benedict’s school in Shawnee, OK before becoming a 3rd grade teacher in Tecumseh Public schools (Barnard and Cross Timbers) where she taught 36 years.

Joyce was a member of Broadway United Methodist Church in Tecumseh.

Joyce enjoyed designing and sewing clothes, quilting, and spending time with her family. She devoted her life to taking care of her family and showing them unconditional love and support. After retiring she enjoyed taking care of her granddaughter, traveling around the state to fairs, music events, quilt and craft shows, and visiting extended family. During the last few years her primary past time was reading.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother-in-law, Ralph Tucker.

Joyce is survived by two daughters, Jaime Elliott of Tecumseh and Janette Elliott of Oklahoma; granddaughter, Ansley Elliott; sister, Pat Tucker of Tecumseh; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Phyllis Rich of Edmond; nephews, Mike Tucker, Phil Rich, Todd Rich and Scott Tucker; great and great great nieces and nephews; and cousins.

Service will be 2:00 p.m., Monday, March 10, 2025 at Cooper Funeral Home Chapel.  Burial will follow at Tecumseh Cemetery under the direction of Cooper Funeral Home of Tecumseh.