Joyce B. Oakes

Joyce B. Oakes, age 86, of 471 Oak Street, Pinehurst, entered into rest at Leisure Life in Unadilla after a short illness.

She was born in Madison, Florida to the late Austin Bowden, Jr. and Eliza Bowden and raised in Pinehurst. She graduated from Pinehurst High School and was valedictorian of her class. She worked for a short time at Robins Air Force Base before marrying L. A. Oakes, Jr. and together they raised four sons. Mrs. Oakes was a member of Pinehurst United Methodist Church and enjoyed singing gospel music. She also enjoyed singing with her husband and sons as "The Oakes Family."

Survivors include:
Sons:
John Bowden Oakes (Debbie) of Macon
Melvin Richard Oakes of Dalton
Luther Avery Oakes, III (Shelly) of Duluth

Daughter-in-law: Beverly Oakes of Jacksonville, FL

Former daughters-in-law:
Stella Oakes of Chamblee
Beth Parrish of Blairsville

Brother: John A. Bowden, Jr. of Brookhaven, MS

Grandchildren: 9
Great Grandchildren: 7

She was preceded in death by her husband, L. A. Oakes, Jr., her son, Lowell Eugene Oakes, her brothers, Danny Bowden, Vanny Bowden and Harold Bowden, her granddaughters, Eliza Oakes and Stephanie Wasdin and her great granddaughter, Abigail Wasdin.

Funeral services will be at 11 AM Wednesday, March 20 in Pinehurst United Methodist Church with interment in Pinehurst City Cemetery.

The family will greet friends 5-7 PM Tuesday, March 19 at the funeral home.

Memorial gifts may be made to Pinehurst UMC, PO Box 162, Pinehurst, GA 31070.

Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Unadilla has charge of arrangements.