Melba Joyce "Joy" DeWees

Melba Joyce "Joy" DeWees, age 72, passed away peacefully on March 11, 2026, at Cleveland Clinic Indian River Hospital.

Joy was born on September 28, 1953, in Vero Beach, Florida, to the late Lowell and Kathleen Reynolds. She remained a lifelong resident of the town she loved so dearly, holding close the beauty and peaceful charm of her beloved beachside community.

Joy attended Vero Beach High School, and worked various part-time jobs during her youth while in school. She later raised her family in Vero Beach, never straying far from the place that always felt like home. Music was one of Joy's greatest passions. A gifted singer with a deep love for melody and song, she filled her home with music and passed that same love and talent on to her children.

In her adult years, Joy grew deeply devoted to her Christian faith and became a longtime member of Treasure Coast Assembly of God. She faithfully volunteered her time preparing and printing the church's weekly bulletin, a task she carried out with dedication every Wednesday until her health no longer allowed her to continue. Serving her church family brought her great joy and purpose.

Joy will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 47 years, Warren Keith DeWees; her brothers, Timothy and Rondell Reynolds; sister-in-law, Darlene Reynolds; her daughter, April Dawn Eaton; three grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will cherish her memory.

She was preceded in death by her son, Warren Keith DeWees, Jr.; her brother, Kenny Reynolds; and sister-in-law, Janie Reynolds.

A Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 19, 2026, at Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory.

A Funeral Service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial afterward at Crestlawn Cemetery, where Joy will be laid to rest beside her mother, father, and grandmother.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to her husband, Warren DeWees, 1446 20th Avenue SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962.

Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.