It is with sincere sadness that the family of Joyce Marie Hart announces her passing on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at the age of 87.

Joyce was born on April 13, 1938, in Drumright, Oklahoma, to Alfred and Ruby Hancock. Joyce graduated from Enid High School in 1956. She married her high school sweetheart, Jimmy Joe Hart, on September 28, 1956, at First Baptist Church in Enid, Oklahoma. On September 28, 2025, the loving couple celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary.

Joyce was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She was both loving and playful, and she enjoyed music, dancing, golfing, trips to Branson, and, most of all, spending time with her family. She was often found in the stands cheering at her sons' basketball games or proudly watching her granddaughters' dance recitals and school activities. Affectionately known as "Nana," she treasured every moment with her granddaughters. Joyce especially loved Christmas, and when it came to gift giving, even Santa Claus had nothing on her.

Joyce enjoyed a successful career spanning more than three decades. She held positions at Michigan State University (MSU) in the Business Office, and she was an active member of the MSU Business Women's Club; at Oklahoma State University (OSU) Placement Services; and at OSU's Center for Local Government Technology. There she was awarded a certificate of honorary membership from the County Treasurers' Association for her "faithful, devoted, and untiring service to county government and the County Treasurers' Association." Joyce will be remembered for her organizational and planning skills, her willingness to face any challenge, and the warmth and dedication she brought to every role.

To be closer to family, Joyce and her husband moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1995.

As a retiree, Joyce found joy in spending time with family and friends, traveling, and caring for her beloved dog, Precious. In retirement, she became an active member of the Tulsa Elks Lodge, serving in numerous leadership roles and on various committees. She is especially remembered for her work as Grants Chairman. Drawing on her experience in grant writing at OSU, she helped the Lodge secure funding to provide coats, shoes, and other necessities for children in low-income schools, as well as support for U.S. military veterans in need of personal, emotional, and mental health assistance, housing, medical care, and nutritional support. Joyce was also active in the Elks Drug Awareness Program. Working alongside her husband and fellow Lodge members, she helped convert a trailer into a mobile drug awareness center that was brought to local schools. She once reflected, "It was so rewarding to see youth coming to the trailer to gather materials to share with others, and especially to hear their stories of how drug and alcohol addiction had touched their families and friends, and how they wanted to make a difference." In 2019, the Elks Lodge honored Joyce and her husband, Jimmy, by renaming the Lodge's lounge the Hart Lounge, in recognition of their many years of service to the Lodge and the community.

On November 17, 2025, Joyce reaffirmed her faith in Jesus Christ, as her Lord and Savior.

Joyce was predeceased by her loving husband, Jimmy Hart, and her parents, Alfred and Ruby Hancock. She is survived by her sons, Ron and his wife, Christy, and Doug and his wife, Susan; her grandchildren, Olivia Hughes and her husband, Nathan, Ann-Marie, and Megan; her sister, Loretta Hughes and her husband, Richard; and her brother-in-law John Hart and his wife Barbra.

Joyce is remembered for the love she shared, the lives she touched, and the laughter she inspired. She will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered.