Joyce Lenora Shaffer

Joyce Lenora Shaffer, a cherished wife, devoted mother, and beloved "Meme," passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on Friday, January 17, 2025, at the age of 90. Surrounded by her loving family, she departed this life after a sudden and severe heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and service.

Born on December 21, 1934, in Atoka, Oklahoma, Joyce was the fourth of eight children born to Juney and Mary Beatris Justus. Growing up during the Great Depression, she learned the values of hard work and perseverance, helping her family by pulling and picking cotton and working the fields.

Joyce was raised in a deeply devoted Christian home, where her father served as a Pentecostal evangelist and pastor. Her childhood was marked by a passion for Christ and a steadfast commitment to supporting her father’s ministry. It was during a brush arbor revival in Thackerville, Oklahoma, that she met the love of her life, Winston Shaffer. They were married on June 4, 1951, beginning a partnership in life and ministry that would span more than 70 years.

In their early years together, Joyce and Winston owned a furniture delivery business in Dallas, Texas. In 1958, they answered God’s call to reopen a closed church in Marietta, Oklahoma. Their ministry journey continued as they pastored congregations in Tishomingo and Pauls Valley, eventually planting a church in Altus, Oklahoma, where they faithfully served for 18 years.

In 1986, Joyce and Winston moved to Claremore to partner with Glenn and Ami Shaffer in ministry. In 1992, they relocated to Tulsa to establish a new congregation, later joining Eastland Assembly, where they faithfully served for 25 years. After Winston’s passing, Joyce returned to Claremore and became an integral part of DestinyLife Church. Her unwavering compassion, heartfelt prayers, and profound wisdom left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. 

Joyce’s legacy is rooted in her unwavering faith, her dedication to her family, and her boundless love for others. Her life was a testament to the power of grace, and she was a spiritual mother to many who looked to her for guidance and encouragement.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Winston Shaffer; her parents, Juney and Mary Justus; and six siblings: Delbert Justus, Ray Justus, Wanona Dean, Kathryn Brown, and Rose Mary Justus, daughter-in-law, Margaret Shaffer, grandson, Shawn David Palmer, Son-in-law, Jim Palmer.

Joyce is survived by two siblings, sister Vivian Holloway, of Willspoint, TX, and brother Kenneth Justus of Rhome, TX her four children: Jerry Shaffer and his wife, Susan, of Duncan, OK; Glenn Shaffer and his wife, Ami, of Claremore, OK; Linda Palmer Sharp and her husband, Dean, of Claremore, OK; and Deretha Bell and her husband, Jim, of Claremore, OK. She is also lovingly remembered by 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of dear friends.

Joyce’s memory will forever be a source of inspiration to those who knew and loved her. Her life of faith and service leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of her family, her church, and her community. Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, at DestinyLife Church, 2300 Southaven, Claremore, OK.

Memorial contributions may be made in Joyce's honor to Missions, c/o DestinyLife Church, 2300 Southaven Road, Claremore, Oklahoma, 74019.