Myrna Joyce Tapley

Joyce Tapley, 83, formerly of Gordon, WV and more recently from Red House, WV, peacefully entered the presence of her Lord on Sunday, November 10, 2019 around 10 p.m. in her Christmas decorated cabin. She passed sweetly surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.

Joyce was preceded in death by her Dad and Mother, Ovie C. and Mary V. Mitchell. She was also preceded by her husband of nearly 60 years, whom she served well, Nathan Tapley, Jr.

Left to cherish their favorite memories of their Mom are Joyce’s three children: Gaye and Jerry Bias of Madison, Mary Bradshaw of Huntington, and Nathan and Elaine Tapley of Red House. Joyce is also survived by her sisters: Nelda and Andy Spratt of Danville and Ginger Mitchell of Gordon; her nieces and nephew, as well as great nieces and nephews. Joyce is known as Mamaw to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Chris and Paula Bias, with their children Olivia, Lilly and Gavin; Jeremy and Jena Bias and their children Griffin and Bella; Clay Bradshaw, Patrick and Angie Bradshaw and their son, Tyler; Maggie and Nathan Butcher and their children Will and Bradley; Molly and Jay Sibold with Jameson, Finn and Penelope; as well as Emma, Rowe, Ross, and Elina Tapley who lovingly and selflessly helped care for her in her later years.

Joyce was raised in Victory Coal Camp in Wharton, WV and was a graduate of Van High School, where she was a percussionist in the marching band. After marriage, Joyce lived a beautiful, simple, yet busy life mainly as a homemaker. She and her husband, “Hunk” were long-time youth leaders at Gordon Union Church in Gordon, WV. Her love for music was evident and passed down for generations. During her youth, Joyce, Ginger, and her Mother sang in a local gospel trio. Joyce continued the tradition at Gordon Union where she was a choir director and directed many Christmas plays, cantatas, and caroling. Joyce was also a phenomenal cook. She blessed others with her talent by serving as a school cook for the Boone County School system at Wharton Elementary and Van High School. Then she and Hunk owned two restaurants in Van: Huskey’s Dairy Bar and later Nate’s Pizza. Along with her sisters, Joyce helped size and sew costumes for S.T.A.G.E. with Boone County Schools.

For the past two decades, Joyce has been a member of Madison United Methodist Church. She enjoyed singing soprano in the choir and sang occasionally in a trio with her sisters.

Perhaps Joyce is best-known for her homemade apple pies, which were often the cause of bidding wars at the Tapley reunions.

She left a legacy of godliness and faithfulness and will be GREATLY missed!

Service will be 2 p.m. Thursday, November 14 at Handley Funeral Home, Danville with Jerry Bias, Nate Tapley, and Dr. Frank Frye officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Gardens, Madison.

Friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Since music meant so much to Joyce, in lieu of flowers, friends and family may make generous donations to the organ fund at Madison United Methodist Church.