Joyce Delene Maddox Mathews

Joyce Mathews of Gulfport passed away peacefully on July 30, 2023, after spending the day surrounded by her most profound legacy, her family.  

Joyce was born in Birmingham, AL to Arnold D. and Eloise N. Maddox and then grew up in Trussville, AL.   

As Leonardo da Vinci so famously said "There are three classes of people: those who see, those who see when they are shown, those who do not see." 

Joyce as an artist could simply see the beauty in every small detail, from the texture of a tree leaf, the architecture of a building, or the varied shades of a changing season. She found solace on the beach where she could marvel at the curve of a seashell, the texture of sand, or the hues of a sunset. 

She loved to travel with her family and shared her passion for truly being "in the moment" on many occasions. Although she was a beach girl at heart, the mountains were also one of her favorite escapes where the scenery was so vastly different than her home in Gulfport. Joyce did not just visit a place, she truly took it in and showed appreciation for each memory made. 

Joyce was also a lifelong piano player and spread her passion for this instrument by teaching. She enjoyed playing tennis, camping, family events and even just spending time creating in her self-designed home. Her house became an artist's retreat filled with murals, art pieces, and many whimsical creations. Joyce spent her professional career as a real estate broker. 

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Rex S. Mathews; her parents; infant son, Danny Rex Mathews; and brother, Ronnie Maddox. 

She is survived by her sister, Wanda Smith and children, Vicky Burrage (Dave) of Biloxi, Ricky Mathews (Ann) of Biloxi, Mitzi Harper (Mack) of Ocean Springs, and Cindy Mauffray (David) of Gulfport. 

Joyce was the matriarch (Memomma) of 10 grandchildren, Brandy Mills (Steve), Donnie Welch, Victoria Williams (Keith), Jordan Mathews (Cierra), Justin Mathews, Ryan Pique (Monica), Rachel Glouner (Beau), David Mauffray, Jr. (Mazzy), Dusty Mauffray, and Erin Mauffray Mims (Tommy). 

She also felt great joy and pride for her 8 great-grandchildren, Austin Thomas, Gracie Mills, Riley Williams, Brody Williams, Mila Mathews, Liam Mathews, Mary Margaret Mauffray, Hollis Mauffray, and was awaiting the newest addition, Eloise Glouner. 

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Aug. 3, 2023, at Riemann Family Funeral Home, 11280 Three Rivers Road, from 10:00 -11:00 am.  Funeral services will follow in the chapel at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens. 

Memories may be shared at www.riemannfamily.com.