Joyce Battles, daughter of the late Cecil Steele and Helen Ralph Steele, was born on May 19, 1935, in Memphis, Tennessee, and departed this life on December 30, 2023, at her residence in Dexter, Missouri, at the age of 88 years.

Mrs. Battles was a retired landowner with her husband Elmer. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church in Dexter, and she enjoyed sewing, gardening, and doing laundry.

On December 24, 1952, in Blytheville, Arkansas, she was united in marriage to Elmer Battles. Mr. Battles survives of their home in Dexter.

Along with her husband, she is survived by four sons, Terry Battles and wife Diana of Dexter, Missouri, Steve Battles and wife Angie of Dudley, Missouri, David Battles and wife Sherry of Dudley, Missouri, and Josh Battles of Dexter, Missouri; by her brother, Cecil Steele Jr. of Bonita Springs, Florida; by twelve grandchildren, Ashley Mosier and husband Moe, Dustin Dunning and wife Heather, Lindsey Layton, Kaylie Green and husband Jarred, Cecilia Bridges and husband Charles, Nicole Battles, Erika Thomlinson and husband Koty, Chris Battles and wife Amy, Joel Battles and wife Cori, Brendan Battles, Madara Battles and Alaina Standridge and husband Jake; and by twenty-six great grandchildren.

Other than by her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Roger Battles, and by her great granddaughter, Jordan Green.

Visitation will be held at Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Funeral services will then be conducted in the Mathis Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, January 3, 2024, at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Lonny Mittag officiating. Interment will follow in the Chalk Bluff Cemetery.

Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter is assisting with arrangements.