Invite friends and family to read the obituary and add memories.
We'll notify you when service details or new memories are added.
You're now following this obituary
We'll email you when there are updates.
Select your format and elements to print
Joyce L
O'Kelley
Jul 15, 1936 — Aug 7, 2026
Greenville
Monday
Graceland Cemetery West
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Graveside Service
Monday
Graceland Cemetery West
11:00 am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
She had the biggest heart and loved her family with her whole heart.
Joyce L O'Kelley, wife of the late George (David) O’Kelley, left her earthy body and entered her Heavenly body and into the arms of Jesus. She was reunited with her loved ones gone before her. Joyce's life, spanning ninety rich and vibrant years, was defined by a spirit of resilience and adventure—a woman whose presence left a memorable imprint upon all fortunate enough to know her.
Joyce was born in Arkansas on July 15,1936 to the late Lee Roy Hankins and the late Esther Collins Hankins. She celebrated her 90th birthday on July 15, 2026, and lived a full and happy life. She had the biggest heart and loved her family with her whole heart. While her presence will be deeply missed; her memories will live on in our hearts forever.
Joyce grew up embracing both opportunity and challenge, destined to make the most of every moment. Her early years were shaped by the close bond she shared with her parents. Among her fondest recollections were the tranquil hours spent fishing with them, and the sunlit days along the shore, savoring life's simple pleasures at the beach. These formative experiences instilled in her a lifelong love for the outdoors, always seeking the solace and renewal found in nature's embrace.
A pursue of knowledge and ambition led Joyce to downtown Greenville, where she attended an all-women's business school—an accomplishment that spoke to her drive and readiness to forge her own path. Joyce was a shining example of the "get up and go" kind of woman, undaunted by change, and invariably at ease wherever life's currents carried her. She possessed a rare ability to "go with the flow," her easygoing outlook endearing her to many and opening doors to friendships and opportunities alike.
Her presence will be deeply missed; her memories will live on in our hearts forever.
Joyce's love for travel broadened her horizons and filled her years with adventure. Whether exploring new destinations or finding joy in spontaneous excursions, she embraced the journey as much as the destination, embodying a boundless curiosity and zest for life.
She is survived by a daughter Sharon Brown (Ed) of Greenville, her son, Lee O’Kelley (Kim) of Greenville, her grandsons David Brown (Erica) and Kevin Brown (Nancy), bonus grandchildren, Sara Burton (Chris) and Tyler Harrison, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandson and her sister, Norma Carroway (Stan) of Camden, SC. Joyce was preceded in death by her older sister, Viola Jane Barker.
A graveside service will be held on August 17, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00pm at Graceland Cemetery West, 4814 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611, where family and friends are invited to gather in reflective tribute.
As we say goodbye to Joyce H O'Kelley, we celebrate a life well lived—marked by kindness, curiosity, and a brave, open heart. May her journey onward be as peaceful and radiant as the life she so lovingly crafted on earth.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors