Mary Joyce Stevens

1934 - 2025

LANCASTER, S.C. - Mrs. Mary "Joyce" Bratcher Stevens, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, Nov. 21, 2025.
Born Aug. 7, 1934, a daughter of the late Edward L. Bratcher and the late Mable McManus Bratcher and was the wife of the late Roddey Bell Stevens.
Joyce was the foundation of her family – a steady, loving presence whose warmth touched everyone she met. She never met a stranger and greeted all with her signature hugs and kisses. Joyce loved to dance, enjoying any music that kept her feet moving and her spirit light. A true jewel, she made sure those around her knew they were her "heart." She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, and her kindness and joy will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Darlene Richards (Robert) of Rock Hill, S.C., Denise Stevens of Lancaster, S.C. and Loretta Stevens of Lancaster, S.C.; her daughter-in-law, Kay Stevens; her grandchildren, Mark Stevens (April), Melissa McFadden (Josh), Timothy "TJ" Richards (Cassie), Christopher "CJ" Stevens, and Nicholas "Nick" Gantt; and 17 great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Roddey Stevens; her son, Jerry Stevens; her granddaughter, Laura Jones; her brother, Charles Bratcher; and her sister, Bonnie B. Gardner.
The Celebration of Life Funeral Service for Joyce will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025, at Sherwood Baptist Church, 1030 Darlene Blvd., Lancaster, SC 29720, officiated by Pastor Jeremy Ussery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2025 from 1 to 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.
The family will also receive friends Monday, Nov. 24, 2025 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the house of Darlene and Robert Richards, 1251 Centennial Drive, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
An online guest register is available on the obituaries page at burgessfunerals.com.
Burgess Funeral Home & Crematory of Lancaster is caring for the family of Mrs. Joyce Stevens.