Obituary of Margaret Joyce Mace

Margaret Joyce Mace was born December 19, 1925, to Audrey Woolsey and John T. Williams in Linn Creek, Missouri. She departed this life on Monday, March 29, 2021, at her home. On August 16, 1950, she was united in marriage to Lee Mace of Tuscumbia, Missouri. Joyce had 3 brothers: John Vernon, Carl, and Bob, all of Kaiser, Missouri. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brothers, nephews Jim Williams, Don Williams and wife Mary Jane, and Rick Williams, 1 niece Amy Tull, and great-nephew Jimmy Joe Lombardo.

Joyce loved her family and was mother to all, including the countless musicians that appeared on the Ozark Opry stage. She learned her gift of sewing from her mother and in her younger years often made shirts for her brothers. Life with 3 brothers was never dull and Joyce enjoyed sharing stories about their childhood with family members. As a young lady she worked as a waitress, helped her parents in their grocery store, and for a time ran a gift shop next door to the store.

Together, Joyce and Lee began Lee Mace’s Ozark Opry in 1953. Following Lee’s death, Joyce continued to operate and manage the Opry for an additional 20 years. She was a business woman, content to attend to the affairs of the Opry behind the scenes, but capably stepped forward when necessary. It was her life.

Joyce attended and supported the Linn Creek United Methodist Church. When no longer able to attend services in person she enjoyed Sunday church at home with her caregivers and nieces and nephews.

The time came when Joyce required 24-hour care in her home. She was lovingly cared for by devoted caregivers: Danny and Debbie Cochran, Jana Hickey, Jennifer Leavens, Barb Boardman, and Stephanie Looten.

Joyce is survived by: Debbie and Danny Cochran of Kaiser, Missouri; Vicky and Dave Sparkman of Hillsboro, Missouri; Belinda and Drew Phillips of Camdenton, Missouri; Dave and Wendy Webb of Stilwell, Kansas; one sister-in-law, Eileen Williams; numerous great-nieces and nephews; and many friends.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, April 2, 2021 at noon at Hedges-Scott Funeral Home in Osage Beach, Missouri. The family will welcome friends for visitation from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm prior to services at the funeral home.

Interment will follow at Gott Cemetery on HWY C in Brumley, Missouri.