Joyce T. Clay, 86, of Sioux City, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2017 at her residence. Per her wishes, Joyce has been cremated and private family services will be held at a later date. Arrangements are under the direction of Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given in Joyce's name to the Siouxland Humane Society.

Joyce was born on May 25, 1931 in Cleveland, Ohio, daughter of James and Alma (Thomas) McKeever. As a young child, her family moved to Sioux City and she graduated from Central High School.

Following high school, Joyce married and to this union, four daughters were born, Carol, Cathy, Nancy, and Evelyn. She was married for 17 years, with that marriage ending in divorce. Joyce then married Dennis Clay on November 4, 1967 in South Sioux City, Nebraska. To this union, two daughters were born, Michelle and Aimee.

Joyce spent most of her years as a homemaker. For a time, she worked at the YMCA and was a member there in her later years. Joyce enjoyed swimming and loved her friends at the YMCA dearly. She was known to many as the "Recess Lady," as she would work recess duty at Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. In her free time, Joyce enjoyed gambling, and would often donate some of her winnings to the Siouxland Humane Society. Joyce loved all animals, especially cats.

Survivors include her husband of 49 years, Dennis; daughters, Michelle (Brad) Kackman and their children Kyle and Cory of Otsego, MN, Aimee (Terry) Speck and their children Joshua and Abbey of Sioux City; Carol, Cathy, Nancy, and Evelyn and their families; and sisters, Patricia Waffel and Julie Lessman; and dear friends Kathy and Frank Verdoorn and their children Jake, Joe and Benny.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, brother, Bobby; and beloved cats, Minnie, Gracie, Pritzy, and Petey.