Joyce Mullis Stephens passed away on March 27, 2013.  She was the youngest daughter of Fred & Lydia Mullis (both deceased), born on June 26, 1926, in Troy, AL.  She was preceeded in death by her older sister, Faye Pelfrey and her older brother, Jamws Mullis. Her husband, James H. Stephens, is also deceased.

She fell in love with Punta Gorda, after visiting the area in 1971, while on her honeymoon.  She enjoyed hairdressing, cooking, fishing and dancing, but most of all, she loved her family.  She is survived, by her daughter, Susan Reeves, of Punta Gorda, FL, her step daughter, Ann Hertzog, of Maitland, FL, and her step son, James H. Stephens Jr., of Troy, AL.  She is also survived by two grandsons, Chris Gearhart, of Torrington, CT, and David M. Gearhart, of East Hartford, CT.

A Memorial Service was held at Peace River Baptist Church in Punta Gorda, FL on April 18, 2013 at 1p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Peace River Baptist Church, in Punta Gorda, FL.