Joyce Barbara (Lupberger) Watkins

Joyce Barbara Watkins of St. James passed away at the St. James Living Center Saturday morning July 2, 2022 at the age of 89. Joyce was born in Dillon, MO, on May 7, 1933 to the late August and Frieda Alt Lupberger.

On June 21, 1967 at Flags Springs, Mo., she was united in marriage to Joe Watkins. He entered into rest December 10, 2004.

Joyce Watkins is survived by two stepsons: David Watkins Sr. of St. James and Dan Watkins and wife Susan of Rolla, MO, as well as one stepdaughter Mary Ellen Culp of Rolla, MO, one sister Gussie A. Pohle of Rolla, six grandchildren: Christy Sevart of Holt Summit, MO, Dawn Hurley and husband Matt, David Watkins Jr., and wife Sheila of Rolla, MO, Karissa Bowers and husband Justin of St. Louis, Nathan Culp and wife Haylie of Neosho, MO, and Cassie Elrod and husband Jason also of Rolla, MO. There are also five great grandchildren: Grace and Noah Hurley, David and Jordan Watkins and Gabe Elrod.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two sisters: Claire A. Smith and Helen Briesmeister along with two brothers-in-law: Lee Smith and Carl Pohle as well as one step son,, Joe Watkins Jr.

Joyce’s parents moved from Germany to the Dillon Community where she remained most of her life. She was born in a house that set in the front yard of the home she has lived in.  Her family owned and operated the Rt 66 Restaurant for many years, where she and her sister waited on tables. She loved being a hostess and worked at Zeno’s Restaurant in Rolla for 42 years. She loved her home and loved her many cats. She would sit outside at her picnic table and watch her cats and enjoy her garden and beautiful flowers. Joyce was a whistler, and when no one was around she would whistle to some of her favorite artists including Floyd Cramer. Her stepson David caught her whistling one time when he was outside, and he asked her to whistle for him, but she refused. She only wanted to perform for herself and the Lord. Joyce and Joe would visit many area amusement parks with the family including Kansas City, St Louis and the local Extravaganza at Vichy. After her retirement she enjoyed crafts and attending craft fairs and enjoyed her farm. She will be sadly missed.

Joyce Watkins will lie in state at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, July 5, 2022 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO. Funeral Services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday July 5th, 2022 at the Jones Funeral Home in St. James with David Watkins Sr., officiating. Pallbearers will be: David Watkins Jr., David Watkins III, Dwight Pohle, Nathan Culp, Dr. Matthew Hurley and Stan Runyon. Honorary pall bearer: David Watkins Sr.  Burial will be beside her husband at the Ozark Hills Memorial Gardens in Rolla, MO. Memorial may be given to the St. James Masonic Lodge # 230 A.F. and A.M.

Online condolences may be entered at jonesfunerals.com

Arrangements are under the direction of the Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.

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