Joyce Knuckles, 80, of State Route 546, died Saturday evening April 5, 2008 in Knox Community Hospital, Mount Vernon, following a short illness. She was born September 18, 1927 in Pineville, Kentucky to Selby and Roxie (Wilder) Wilson. On December 23, 1944 she married Leonard Knuckles, and Joyce set her life's work of homemaking. In 1967 she helped move the family from Kentucky to Southern Richland County, following a job move for Leonard. A Proverb's 31 woman, Joyce set about her tasks vigorously; her arms were strong for her tasks. She spoke with wisdom, and faithful instruction was on her tongue. She watched over the affairs of her household, and did not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rose and called her blessed, her husband also, and he praised her. She excelled at the home arts and loved and enjoyed cooking for her family. Her special touch to fried chicken and sweet tea made simple family gatherings special events.
Joyce was a faithful member of Perry Church of Christ, and former taught Sunday school there. In her younger years she loved to play the guitar and held a great fondness for music ~ especially Gospel music. In good weather she and Leonard could be found tending to their garden, and Joyce never neglected to be in The Scriptures on a daily basis.
She is survived by her husband of 63 years Leonard Knuckles; sons and daughters-in-law Walter & Roberta Knuckles of Bellville, Tommy & Alice Knuckles of Ontario, Robert & Marcia Knuckles of Bellville, Mike & Anita Knuckles of Bellville, daughter-in-law Brenda Knuckles of Fredericktown; grandchildren and their spouses Thomas & Rhonda Knuckles, Brady & Tara Knuckles, Nathan Knuckles, Andy & Katie Knuckles, Ryan & Victoria Knuckles, Stefan Knuckles, Lisa & Kevin Briggs, Karen & Scott Russell, Robin & Tom Hager, Amy Knuckles and Carly Knuckles; 12 great grandchildren; sisters Hazel Woods of Pineville, Kentucky and Ruth Jones of Beaver Creek; nieces and nephews and a host of brothers- and sisters-in-Christ.
She was preceded in death by a son Herman Knuckles on August 16, 2002. Also deceased are a great granddaughter; a sister Ada Dennis and brothers Colson, Barnett, Wilburn and Floyd Wilson. The family will receive friends Tuesday, April 8, 2008 from 5-8 p.m. in the Bellville Snyder Funeral Home, where the funeral service will be held Wednesday at 11 a.m. Pastors Vinton Morgan and Leroy Bumpus will officiate. Burial will follow in Perry Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Perry Church of Christ may be made at the funeral home. Condolences may be made to the Knuckles Family online by visiting: www.snyderfuneralhomes.com