Marilyn Joyce Hazelwood, 87, of Ottumwa died at 9:05 a.m. March 2, 2026 at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
She was born June 5, 1938 in Ottumwa to William Sunday and Margaret Lucille Twedell Cooper. Joyce married James Melvin Hazelwood September 12, 1953 and they later divorced.
A resident of Ottumwa most of her life she worked at Ottumwa Regional Health Center.
Joyce attended First Pentecostal Assembly of God. She enjoyed crocheting, reading, and baking chocolate chip cookies. Joyce was affectionately known as “Mema”. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Surviving is her daughter, Sandy (Wayne) Billings of Ottumwa; 4 grandchildren, Shane Billings of Chicago, Amanda (Ronnie) Pumphrey of Brownsburg, IN, Ryan (Desiree) McDonough and Tyler (Kristi) McDonough both of Ottumwa; 9 great grandchildren, Zarek Strong, Orie Schlotter, Ariel Altheide, Halayna McDonough, Alyssa McDonough, Grady McDonough, Grant Pumphrey, Allison Pumphrey and Austin Pumphrey; 3 great-great grandchildren; son-in-law, Mike McDonough; a sister, Betty Hall of Ottumwa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Debbie McDonough; and a sister, Charlotte Stober.
Visitation will be open after 11 a.m. Thursday March 5th at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Graveside services and burial will be 10 a.m. Friday March 6th at Ottumwa Cemetery with Pastor Richard Schlotter officiating.
Memorials may be made to Jacob’s Gift.
