Joyce Flora Thompson, 86, of Laurel, MS went to her heavenly home, Friday, October 13, 2023 at the Bedford Care Center Monroe Hall in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. She was born Thursday, October 15, 1936 in Laurel, Mississippi.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM at Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel on 4593 Indian Springs Road. A Graveside service will be held on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 3:00 PM at Hickory Grove Cemetery in Laurel. Bro. David Grayson will officiate. Colonial Chapel Funeral Home of Laurel is in charge of arrangements. 601-649-3342

She was preceded in death by her first husband; George Alex Shoemake, and her husband of over fifty years; Herbert Ray "Tom" Thompson Sr., her son; Herb Thompson Jr., her parents; Earl and Ernestine Chancellor, her brothers; Marvin, Willard, Harold and Ralph Chancellor, as well as her sisters; Mary Nell Thompson, Eloise Hodge and Virginia Sims.

She is survived by her children; Robert M. Thompson (Shelia), Deborah Shoemake Porter, George David Shoemake, Maria Thompson Webb (Ronnie Joe) and Donna Shoemake Grayson (David), grandchildren; Chad Thompson, Erin Pope, Joy Speed, Jill Knighton, Jessica Strecker, Amanda Shoemake, Meagan Shoemake, Greg Shoemake, Monica Burkett, Mary Katherine Fellows, Rachel Ledbetter, Sarah Webb, Matthew Bryant, Meighan Gulsby and Micah Grayson. She is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Joyce received her Associate Degree in Nursing from Jones County Junior College. As a nurse, she shared her compassionate caring heart with the sick people she ministered to at Masonite Hospital and later Community Hospital.  After that, she worked with her husband "Tom" at Dick & Tom Service Station where she shared her caring heart with her customers and friends.

Joyce also enjoyed playing golf at Dixie Golf Club. She had a love for cooking, but most of all, she loved spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Bryant, Jameson Knighton, Ayden Strecker, Carson Speed, Cooper Speed, and Austin Fellows.

Honorary pallbearers will be Brayden Bryant, Beckham Bryant, and James Fellows.