July 31, 1947 ~ October 14, 2015
Joyce’s Journey
We Reflect on the Life & Legacy of Joyce Ann Chairs Diles
July 31, 1947, was a special day in Muskogee, OK when a precious baby girl and bundle of joy was born to Peyton Chairs and Lula (Fletcher) Chairs. They named her Joyce Ann. She was the 11th of 12 children. She was raised in Muskogee, attending Muskogee Public Schools until her graduation from Manual Training High School in 1965. Joyce graduated high school with her cosmetology license. Also, during her school years she led the Manual Training Band as the Drum Majorette. She was also the 1965 Band Queen.
Raised in a Christian home, she gave her life to Christ at an early age, uniting with Spencer Methodist Church under the leadership of Pastor Robert Nathan in 1962. As an adult she joined Beebe CME Church under the leadership of the late Pastor Gregory Lee. She was an active member of the stewardess board, finance committee and at any other capacity she could serve.
The year of 1967 proved to be a special one for Joyce. She was united in marriage to Bill R. Diles on September 16, 1967. To this union two children were born, Damita Joyce and Darin Ray. Her love for patient care led her to what was then known as Muskogee General Hospital as a Nurse’s Aide. Desiring to further her nursing skills, Joyce attended and graduated from Indian Capital Vocational Tech as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She worked at Muskogee Regional Medical Center for 20 plus years and also provided her special care in many nursing facilities in Muskogee. Her last job led her to Jack C. Montgomery Veteran’s Center in Muskogee.
After 5 years of service she was injured on the job and forced into retirement. After retirement, her love for children led her to become a foster parent. She fostered over 20 foster children. Later as she faced health issues and was no longer able to foster children she continued to mentor and support many children throughout the community.
Joyce was a devoted wife and mother. She participated in all activities of her children. She loved skating, karate and teaching many how to skate backwards. The lives of many were touched through her love and compassion of life. Joyce was always in the spotlight dancing and twirling her baton.
Joyce was preceded in her death by her parents, Peyton & Lula Chairs, her brother Peyton Chairs, Jr., and her sisters Emma & Glenn Chairs.
Joyce went into a peaceful slumber on the morning of Wednesday, October 14, 2015.
Remaining to uphold a lifetime of cherished memories: her loving husband Bill R. Diles of Muskogee, OK; her daughter Damita (John) of Tulsa, OK, son Darin of Muskogee, OK; beloved daughter Tracie Mitchell Diles of Muskogee, OK; sisters Audrey Denson of Castro Valley, CA; Alfretta Ousley of Muskogee, OK and Stacey Chairs of Edmond, OK; brothers James Chairs of Oakland, CA. Ronnie Chairs (Vonn) of Norman, OK and Tyler Chairs of Muskogee, Ok. Grandchildren Alexius N. Phillips, John E. Carter, II, Darrius A. Carter of Tulsa, OK. Miranda Diles, Josie Diles & Darian Diles of Muskogee, OK. Her special great-grandson Gino D’Chaun, Shaver of Tulsa, OK and a host of nieces, nephews and many beloved friends, and her faithful friend and caregiver, Ola Ephraim Mullenix.
Services will be Friday October 23, 2015 at 12Noon at St. Paul United
Methodist Church in Muskogee, Oklahoma.
Friends may visit Joyce on Thursday
from 12Noon until 7PM in Muskogee.
Serivces by Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors,Inc. www.biglowfunerals.com