Joyce Ann Pruitt Graves

Joyce Ann Pruitt Graves died at 86 in her sleep on July 4, 2021. 

She is survived by Ralph and three children: Sharon Graves Sloan, Travis Mark Graves and wife Donna, and Thomas Lee Graves. She was blessed with two granddaughters: Meghan Sloan and Emily Graves, who filled her life with joy. Joyce lived in Sedona with her beloved husband, son and cherished pets. She and Ralph celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary in June.

Joyce was born in Fort Worth, Texas, to Lula Mae and Arthur Alford Pruitt and spent her childhood in Glen Rose, Texas. She graduated high school at the top of her class at 16. She and Ralph eloped after graduation and raised their family in Texas before moving to Arizona in 1989. 

Joyce loved books and music. She was whip smart, funny and a master at word games like Scrabble. She was a gardener extraordinaire and could coax the most reluctant plant into resplendent bloom. 

Her vibrance captivated everyone who knew her. She loved all three of her children unconditionally and showed them how to live with gratitude, curiosity and kindness. 

She had many interests, including rock hunting and polishing, painting, dancing, and showing Pomeranians and Great Danes. She worked as a volunteer EMT and spent 10 years teaching disadvantaged students at Cy-Fair High School. In the ‘90s, she danced with the Sedona Red Rockin’ Grannies. 

She will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

Visitation and a short service will be held at the Westcott Funeral Home in Cottonwood, Arizona.

Visitation:     Saturday, July 10 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Service:    Saturday, July 10 at 4:00 pm

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Humane Society of Sedona or a charity of your choice.