Joyce Knaggs

1930 - 2023

Joyce Knaggs

June 28, 1930 - October 6, 2023

Tacoma, Washington - Joyce McHaney, born in Tacoma, WA on June 28, 1930, to Walter and Beatrice McHaney, was the seventh of eight children. She was a lifetime resident of Tacoma from birth until her death on October 6, 2023. Joyce graduated from Stadium High School in 1948. She attended Washington State College, where she met James "C J" Knaggs; they were married in 1951 and celebrated their 50th anniversary two years before his death in 2003. They were the parents of three children and the family shared many fun times, including family game nights, holiday gatherings with Joyce's family, and summer vacations with Jim's family at the Deer Lake cabin built by his family when he was a teenager.

Joyce was a lifelong member of First Christian Church where she was an elder and deacon, active in Women's Fellowship, and sang in the Chancel Choir and Disciple Singers. For the past ten years, she worshiped at University Place Presbyterian Church. In addition to her church activities, she volunteered at Tacoma General Hospital as a receptionist in the surgical waiting room for almost 30 years.

She was preceded in death by her husband James Knaggs; siblings Hazelgrace Jones, William McHaney, Alice Krebs, Dorothy Karn. She is survived by her children, Pamela (Daniel) McDaniels, Deborah Knaggs, Christopher (Tammy) Knaggs; grandchildren, Matthew (Kara) McDaniels, Amy (Bryon) Wetzel, Julie (Tim) Shaw, Patrick (Jade) McDaniels, Laura (Rick) Peer, Jessica Knaggs, Alex Knaggs, Kate (Taran) Dike; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers, George McHaney, Charles McHaney, Darrell McHaney. She will also be missed by many nephews, nieces, and friends.

Visitation will be at Tuell-McKee Funeral Home on Friday, October 13th from 5:00pm - 7:00pm. A private graveside service for the family will be at Old Tacoma Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, October 18th, at University Place Presbyterian Church.