Joyce M. Harris

Joyce Ann Mowbray Harris, 75, passed away on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Augusta Health in Fishersville.

She was born on January 13, 1950, in Keezletown to the late Homer Ray and Hazel Louella Nieswander Mowbray.

Joyce cared for children in her home daycare for over thirty years. She became known to many as “Nana,” a name still used by the many children she helped raise over the years.

She loved arts and crafts, especially cross-stitching and crocheting. Joyce also enjoyed singing karaoke at the Staunton Eagles #680 and the Moose Lodge #1635, where she made many friends and memories.

She is survived by her son, Joseph Edward Knight and his fiancé, Alohora Magowan; her daughter, Joy Elaine Martin and her two grandchildren, Coleman Scott Martin and Christian Ryan Knight; her great-granddaughter, Eliana Cannon; her life partner, Melvin Wymer; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth Edward Harris; her brothers, Doug and Homer Mowbray; and her sister, Linda Faye Mowbray Burkholder.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at Oak Lawn Mausoleum and Memory Gardens in Staunton.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105).