Joyce Marlene (Downing) Adair

Joyce Marlene Downing-Adair of Newkirk OK passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at the age of 72. She was welcomed home by her unborn child, her parents Zella & Levi Downing, siblings Eddy Joe Downing, Margi Ann Downing, Delorse Martin, Dewayne Downing and Bobby Downing.

Joyce was born to Zella & Levi on December 22, 1948 at the Pawnee Indian Hospital in Pawnee OK. She was the youngest of 5 living children and had her brothers wrapped around her finger growing up. She lived in numerous places throughout her life, but always called Fairfax, OK her home. 

In 1965, Joyce became a mother for the first time to daughter Betty Jolene Downing-Puetz, Joyce had two more children, Lee Adair born in 1967 and Nancy Adair -Bourlon born in 1971. 

Joyce was able to free herself from a domestic violence situation that took the life of an unborn child and she returned to Oklahoma to reside near her parents, with her daughter, Jolene. In 1986, the birth of her first granddaughter, Shantil, helped Joyce focus her life on a more positive path and began to help Jolene raise her family, the following year, her second granddaughter, Shannon, was born and together, the girls lit up her world. There was never a pair she was more proud of than her granddaughters. That was until the birth of her great-granddaughter, Alexia. Joyce loved being a great- grandmother more than anything in the world and was affectionally known as “Old Grandma”. 

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Jolene Puetz of Newkirk OK; her daughter Nancy Bourlon and family of Arkansas; her son Lee Adair of Arkansas. Her sister Oresa Hogue and family of Barnsdall OK. Her sister-in-law Joann Downing of Winfield KS. Her grand-daughters Shantil Puetz & Kurtis Cain of Ponca City, OK; Shannon Puetz & Sam Lionelli of Ponca City; great grandchildren Alexia, Braylen, Breckyn, David, Jorene, Lily, Mia, and Sean; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 

To honor her strength and her memory, her family has reached out to The Dearing House in Ponca City. In lieu of flowers and plants, please make a donation in Joyce’s name.

The Dearing House in Ponca City 311 S 13th St Ponca City, OK 74601.  Remembrances may be shared online at www.stittsworthfuneralservices.com.

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