Joyce Mabe

Joyce Jean Mabe, Nixa, departed from this life July 8, 2023, at her home, surrounded by family.

She was born June 6, 1933, in Nixa, one of five children born to Herman and Vesta (McConnell) Maples.

Joyce was united in marriage to Billy Gene (Bill) Mabe June 30, 1950. She was saved and baptized at an early age, and was faithful to the end. While living in Wichita, Kansas, in the early 1950s, Joyce and Bill were active leaders in the Indian Southern Baptist Church where Bill taught youth while Joyce taught the little ones. She was a long-time member of Riverdale Baptist Church south of Nixa, and later was active at Ridgecrest Baptist in Springfield where she remained a member until her passing.

Joyce and Bill, along with Bill’s brothers Bob, Lyle and Jim and their wives pioneered the Baldknobbers Show in 1959. Joyce remembered well (but not fondly) standing at intersections in downtown Branson, dressed in long dresses and holding signs on show nights.

Survivors include two daughters: Debbie Bilyeu and her husband Hosea, and Darla Linebaugh and her husband Richard; a daughter-in-law, Renee Mabe; nine grandchildren, Joy Bilyeu-Steele, Robin Rees, Will Bilyeu, John Bilyeu, Tifini Roberts, Garrett Mabe, Denton Mabe, Justin Linebaugh and Jordan Linebaugh; ten great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Bill, her parents, her son Dennis, two brothers - Raymond Maples and Roy Maples, and two sisters - Lois Wisener and Florence Herndon.

The family would like to express appreciation for the care provided by Amada Senior Care and by Seasons Hospice. Thanks are extended also to all who expressed their love to the family in a variety of other ways.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, July 12, at McConnell Cemetery, Nixa. Visitation will be from 6:00 – 8:00 PM Tuesday, in Adams Funeral Home, Nixa.