Joyce L. Oates

Joyce Lucas Oates, 75, of Martinsburg, passed away Tuesday, January 18, 2022 at Meritus Health in Hagerstown, MD. Born July 11, 1946 in Martinsburg, she was the daughter of the late Garland F. and Marjorie T. Lucas.

She is survived by two sons, Max O. Oates III (Ada) and Michael Oates (Kim Slaughter) and one daughter, Megan E. Simms (Gerren); three grandchildren, Evelyn Louise Oates (Max), Joseph Slaughter (Michael) and Gerren “Drake” Simms, Jr. (Megan) and her sister, Victoria A. Lucas.

Joyce graduated from Martinsburg High School in 1964 and Shepherd University in 1969. She retired from the WV DHHR after 15 years and was employed by the Jefferson County Commission on Aging.

She was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Martinsburg. Additionally, she was a member of Beta Sigma Phi and the Optimist Club. She volunteered throughout the community wherever she was needed always putting others ahead of herself.

Many will remember Joyce as an award-winning baker and cook as an adult and as an expert diver at War Memorial Park in Martinsburg as a teenager. She also enjoyed dancing, music, gardening, studying The Bible and exercise. Loved by many, she was a devoted mother and grandmother. In lieu of flowers, please donate to First Baptist Church located at 315 W. King Street, Martinsburg, WV 25401.

A celebration of her life will be held 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022 at The Purple Iris. Friends and family are welcome to join.

Online condolences may be offered at www.BrownFuneralHomesWV.com.