Joyce Woolard

METROPOLIS, Ill. - Joyce (Dees) Woolard, 91, of Metropolis, was born on June 13, 1934 in Creal Springs, and passed from this life to her heavenly reward at 10:16 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, 2025, at the Metropolis Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home with Rev. Cliff Easter officiating. Burial will follow at Metropolis Memorial Gardens.

Joyce had volunteered for 25 years at Water Brook Christian Book Store, was a former member of the Massac Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, and spent many hours each week visiting family and friends at the Metropolis Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Joyce was saved and baptized at the age of 12, shortly after her family moved to Harrisburg. She was a faithful member of Metropolis First Baptist Church.

Joyce is survived by her sister, Mae Oliver; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Marvin and Joyce Barnhill and Bob and Barbara Mizell.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Ivan and Irene (Bell) Dees; husband of over 50 years, Robert J. Woolard; two daughters, Lisa G. Woolard and Debra Joyce Woolard; brother, David Dees.

Visitation will be held from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 16, at Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made in Joyce's name to First Baptist Church, 307 Massac Creek Road, Metropolis, Illinois.

Pallbearers will be Marvin Barnhill, Bob Mizell, Terry Foster, Todd Sumner, Rickey Bunch, and Jason McManus.

Music will be provided by Karen Wemhoener, pianist.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Aikins-Farmer-Loftus-McManus Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at aikinsfarmer-millerfh.com.