L. Joyce Parris, 72, of Cape Girardeau departed this life Sunday, Aug. 15, 2010, at her home, surrounded by her family after battling cancer more than two years.

She was born Jan. 23, 1938, in Senath, Mo., daughter of the late Desmar Franklin and Lillie Estalea Woods Hatch. She and Harold Eugene Parris Sr. were married Nov. 25, 1955, in Holly Springs, Miss. He preceded her in death March 27, 1996.

Parris was a 1955 graduate of Senath High School. She retired from the Stoddard County circuit clerk's office in 2000. She was an active member of First Baptist Church in Jackson, a devoted mother, grandmother and aunt. She loved Cardinals baseball and to travel, having visited all but three states.

Her loving survivors include two sons, Harold Eugene Parris Jr. of Columbia, Mo., Perry Mitchell Parris and wife Mary of Cape Girardeau; two sisters, Mavis Jones and husband Bobby of Senath, Lareva Richardson and husband Danny of Greenwood, Ark.; two brothers, James Lanoice Hatch and wife Sharon of St. Louis, Max Hatch and wife Anna of Staunton, Va.; a brother-in-law, Robert A. Parris and wife Lorene of West Plains, Mo.; four grandsons, Gregory Parris, Timothy Parris, Atticus Parris and Zebediah Parris; a special friend, Billy Hawkins of Senath; and many nieces and nephews.

Besides her husband and parents she was preceded in death by a son, Joshua Scott Parris.

Friends may call from 9 a.m. to service time today at Rainey-Mathis Funeral Home in Dexter, Mo.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. today at the funeral home, with Dr. Michael B. Parris of the First Baptist Church of Marshall officiating. Interment will be in Dexter Cemetery.

Pallbearers will include Gregory Parris, Timothy Parris, Atticus Parris, Brandon Richardson, Mike Hatch, Alan Jones, and honorary pallbearer Zebediah Parris.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that all memorials be made to the American Cancer Society in memory of L. Joyce Parris.