Joyce Marie Lucas Hayes, age 90, of Brownsville, KY, passed away Friday, (February 27, 2026) at The Medical Center in Bowling Green, KY.
She was born on April 11, 1935, in Grayson County, KY, the daughter of the late Carl and Retha Drane Lucas.
She was a loving mother, mamaw, granny, aunt, cousin, and a loving friend to so many. She was a housewife and a homemaker who enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening and listening to gospel music. Joyce was a member of Rabbit Flat Church for 48 years.
She is survived by her children, Janice Embry (Pete), Steven Lee Hayes Sr. (Freda), Barbara Meredith (Joe), & Tamela Midnight (Matt); eight grandchildren, Terry Hayes (Robin), Steven Hayes Jr (Ashli), Amanda Hayes (Chris VanMeter), Jessica Becker (John), Joseph Meredith Jr. (Princess Reed-Meredith), Heather Hein (Jeff), Whitney Boarman (Cory), Erica Shaw (Josh); 22 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Other than her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years Royce Hayes; a son, Darrell Edward Hayes; two grandchildren, Aaron Hayes & Jacky Embry; and a daughter-in-law, Michelle “Shelly” Hayes.
Funeral services will be at 1:00 p.m. Tuesday, (March 3, 2026) at the Dermitt Funeral Home in Leitchfield. Bro. Larry Holman will be officiating. Burial will be in the Holly Cemetery.
Visitation will be at the Dermitt Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday and from 9:00 a.m. Tuesday until time of services.
