Joyce Lucille Lee Bennett

Joyce Lucille Lee Bennett was a great wife, an awesome mother, a super Gramsey, a gifted music teacher, and true advocate for the arts, passed away peacefully on January 10, 2025, at the age of 95.

Born on October 4,1930 in Indiahoma, Oklahoma, she discovered her love for music at an early age. What began as a passion soon became her calling. She dedicated her life to teaching music, believing deeply in its power to inspire confidence, discipline, and joy. Over the course of her career, she taught countless students, many of whom credit her with shaping not only their musical abilities but also their character. Her classroom was a place of encouragement, patience, and high expectations, always filled with melody and purpose.

Above all, Joyce was a loving and devoted mother. She brought the same warmth, creativity, and care to her family that she shared with her students. She started her musical teaching in Yuba, Oklahoma, and taught in Colbert, Walters, Lawton, Stillwater, Calera, Oklahoma and Bossier City, Louisiana. Music was woven into everyday life in her home—whether through lessons at the piano, songs sung on road trips such as Mr. Moon, Slap Her Down Again, Pa, 50 Nifty United States, OKLAHOMA or quiet moments listening and learning, while driving down the highway. She taught by example the perseverance, kindness, and the importance of following one’s passions.

Her musical talents were also used by serving several churches in Lawton, Chattanooga, Stillwater and Durant as their choir director or pianist.  She truly loved sharing her talents that God had given her.

Joyce is survived by her daughters Pam Shelton, and spouse Jerry, Melissa Arnett, and spouse Gary, grandchildren Holly Anderson and spouse Mike, Amber Shelton and spouse Spencer Malicki, Sara Montalvo and spouse Michael, JG Shelton and Malori Story, Bobbie Ragsdale and spouse Chase, great grandson in love – Sawyer and recently born great grandson JG3.  She in preceded in death by her parents, Grady and Zula Lee, husband Bob Bennett, sister Geraldine Lynch, brother Gail Lee and many other aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the music she shared, and the love she gave so freely. Though she will be deeply missed, her song continues in the hearts of her family, friends, and students.

Many blessings and thanks to the staff at Victorian Estates.  They were there for her literally 24/7. They loved her. They went above and beyond for our mom to make her feel happy, safe, and loved.

More blessings and thanks to Caring Hearts Hospice.  These ladies and gentlemen have a special gift in always being there for the family.  

A Family Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 from 5-7 pm at Yanda and Son Funeral Home and Cremation Services at 1500 W. Vandament Ave, Yukon, OK.  Please wear RED to celebrate the life of Joyce L. Bennett.

A celebration of her life will be held on date to be determined at the First Christian Church, Durant, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Southeastern State University Music Department or the Yukon Public Schools Foundation for Excellence,  P.O. Box 850295, Yukon, Ok 73099 or at https://www.yukonschools.org/page/foundation-for-excellence.