Emma ‘Joyce’ Moore

Joyce Moore

Emma Joyce Moore, 90, died on January 23, 2026, at The Cedars Rehab Center in McPherson with family by her side.

Joyce was born at the family farm north of Rosston, Okla., to James and Gladys (Grozinger) Thomas on July 22, 1935.

She graduated from Rosston High School in 1953 and attended Phillips University, Enid, Okla., for three years.

During her final year she transferred to Northwestern Oklahoma State University, Alva, and received her bachelor’s degree in education.

On Feb. 14, 1957, Joyce married Vernon Moore in Alva and they celebrated 60 years together. They were both educators and involved in both their church and community activities.

Survivors include sons, Jay (Carolyn) Moore, Riverside, Mo., and John Moore, Canon City, Colo.; daughter, Sherri (David) Haxton, McPherson; four grandchildren, Jade (Troy) Gilpin, Heather Haxton, Derek (Jessica) Moore and Dane Moore; two great-grandchildren, Cameron and Addison Gilpin; sister-in-law, Barbara Moore; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brother, Jim Thomas; brother-in-law, Vearl Moore; and brothers- in-law and sistersin- law, Melvin and Harriet Moore and Emery and Vivian Graves.

The funeral service was held on Jan. 29 at the First Christian Church in McPherson with Rev. Lynn Scott officiating.

A graveside service was held on Jan. 30 at the Laverne (Okla.) Memorial Cemetery.