Joyce Louise Copas

     Joyce Louise Copas Dawson died October 9, 2023, in Lexington, Oklahoma at the age of 82 years 6 months 28 days. A visitation is scheduled for 10:00 AM, Thursday, October 12, 2023 at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.

     Joyce was born March 12, 1941, in Hot Springs, Arkansas.  She was the beloved daughter of Willard and Lela Pearl (Masner) Herron. Growing up in Arkansas, Joyce received her education and developed a strong work ethic that she carried throughout her life. She embraced various job opportunities but ultimately retired as a dedicated housekeeper from Central State Hospital.  Joyce found love and was first married to Bob McGehee and they enjoyed many years of companionship until his passing. In 2007, Joyce remarried Joe Dawson Jr., creating a new chapter of love and happiness in her life.   Among Joyce's many passions were sewing and quilting. Her nimble fingers crafted countless quilts for her treasured grandchildren. She also delighted in activities such as bowling, camping, skating, and collecting Indian figurines and cows. Joyce had a fondness for flowers and took pleasure in raising her beloved dachshunds. Additionally, she found solace in solving crossword puzzles and word search games; however, nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her beloved family. 

     Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Willard and Lela Herron; her husband, Bob McGehee; her husband, Joe Dawson, Jr; her daughter, Betty McGehee; her grandson, Gary McGehee; and her brother, Billy Herron. Survivors include her son, Gary McGehee and wife Ruth; her daughter, Vickie Wallace; her son, Bobby McGehee and wife, Jill; her grandchildren, Tammy and Larry Henson, Kimberly and Ryan Fraizer, Michelle and James Madden, Shane McGehee, Renea Joslin, Shawna and Justin Cox, Diana Wallace, Zack and Chelsea McGehee, Curry and Destiny Bain, Ashley and Devon Ramero, Stetson McGehee; her great grandchildren, Mackenzie, Kaitlyn, Hayden, Garrett, Dylan, Kyzer, Hadley, Amy, Jason, Hailey, Kaylee, Kody, Kaden, Kaleesi, Jayden, Kylie, Nova, Junior, Paisley, Kinslee, Landon, Gunner, Joni, Abby; her great-great grandchildren, Haven, Rylynn, Lucas, Jace, Tyler; her siblings, Kenneth and Beth Herron, Jerry and Carol Herron, Lucille and James Mooneyham; and numerous other relatives and friends.