Joyce Merlene Grissom

Joyce Merlene Grissom, 81, passed away peacefully on April 5, 2024, surrounded by her family, joining her husband, Robert, in their eternal home. 

Joyce was born on November 24, 1942, in Lubbock, Texas, to Riley Clay and Nannie Lee Hanks. Joyce graduated from Tulare Union High School in 1960. 

Shortly after graduating high school, she married Robert James Grissom in 1963. Bob and Joyce went on to have two daughters, Michelle and Kristin. 

Joyce is predeceased by her husband, Robert James Grissom, and parents, Riley Clay and Nannie Lee Hanks, as well as her brothers Don and Wayne Hanks, and beloved dog Chewie. She is survived by her daughters Michelle Diane Nelson (Scott) and Kristin Deanne Smith (Donald), grandchildren Alexis Joymarie Silveira (Sebastian), Rilee Nicole Hopper (Kristopher), Ashley Nicole Nelson, Kiersti Janae Mayabb (Zachary), Tyler James Nelson, Madison Nicole Nickell (Caleb), and Allison Breann Smith, including four great-grandchildren Sophia Iva Silveira, Shepherd James Hopper, Graham Louis Silveira, and Evan Tobias Mayabb. She also leaves behind her siblings, Carol Meade, Charles Hanks, Sarah Whittaker, and countless nieces and nephews.  

Joyce was a wonderful wife, mother, and grandmother. She cherished her family dearly and exemplified that through her actions. Joyce always saw the beauty in people, situations, and everything around her. She was quick to lift people up and support her loved ones in any way she could. Joyce will be remembered as a woman with abundant faith; she loved the Lord. 

Joyce and her husband started Bob Grissom’s Custom Plumbing in the early 1970’s. She later went to work at Royal Oaks Elementary while her children were in school. She lovingly left the workforce after her grandchildren were born to spend time with them. 

In her spare time, you could find Joyce enjoying long drives, trips to the beach, and spending time with her sweet yorkipoo, Chewie. She loved the simple things in life; it did not take much to make her happy. 

Joyce sparkled from within like a true diamond. 

Graveside services will be held on Friday, April 12, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at the Kern Tulare Public Cemetary. Reception to follow at Vejars in Tulare.

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