Leta Joyce Duckworth of Mexico, Missouri passed away on January 25, 2024 in McKinney, Texas after 88 years of living and loving. She was surrounded by her husband and children as she walked through Heaven's gates.

Joyce was born on July 23,1935 in Mexico, Missouri to Randall and Grace Cole.

She married Charles Edward Duckworth on April 25,1958, building their family in their hometown for six decades. Joyce was gifted with a servant's heart and loved volunteering at the public schools her children attended, the local election booth, her church and serving as a Chamber of Commerce Ambassador.

Joyce's great joy in life was being a mom for her three children and Nana to her 7 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren.

Tending her home and flowers, attending auctions for vintage linens and glassware; traveling to see her children and talking to them countless times a day on the phone brought her joy. She adored being at any event involving her family - from attending grandchildren's' births, cheering at sporting events and dancing at their weddings. Above all, her favorite pastime was simply being with her husband, Charles.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 65+ years, Charles Duckworth of Mexico, Missouri; her two daughters DeeDee Piper (Andy) of McKinney, Texas and Donna Thornton (Tim) of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and her son Chuck Duckworth (Karen) of Overland Park, Kansas; 7 grandchildren Travis Piper, Lindsey Piper Gilday, Elizabeth Piper Lindblad, Meredith Thornton DeGarmo, Mackenzie Thornton McClain, Trey Duckworth, and Houston Duckworth; 11 great-grandchildren Hudson, Asher and Finley Gilday; Aubrey and Dawson Piper; Piper and Sawyer Lindblad; Eloise, Charlotte and Isaac DeGarmo; and Briggs McClain are also left to mourn the Nana they adored.

Among those who welcomed her into Heaven were her parents, Randall and Grace Cole, her sister, Judy Cole Iman and a host of other family and friends whom we are sure she was delighted to be reunited with.

A celebration of Joyce's blessed life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024 at the First Christian Church where she has been a member since birth.   Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 a.m. with the funeral following at 11:00 a.m.   Graveside services will be afterwards at Elmwood Cemetery.