Joyce Fern Raley

Joyce Fern Raley, died, June 11th, 2025, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on August 2nd, 1943, at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa, to Glenn and June Young. Joyce grew up at 12th and St Louis Ave, and later at 13th and Winston Ave in a house that would be known to generations of family and friends as 1340. Joyce attended Lincoln Elementary School and Wilson Junior High. During these years, Joyce enjoyed classes, church and formed many friendships, most importantly with the "Faithful Five", a group that has lasted for more than 70 years. At the age of 13, she met David Raley, in a youth group at St Paul's Methodist Church. Their first date was to see a play at Central High School, and they were so young, David's brother Deane had to provide a ride. Their courtship grew into love while in high school and continued the rest of their lives. Joyce graduated from Will Rogers High School in 1961 and joined David at the University of Oklahoma. She pledged Kappa Alpha Theta sorority and graduated with an associate's degree. On January 20, 1963, Joyce and David were married at St. Paul's, the same church where they met and grew up together. Joyce and David had their first son, Brian, in Oklahoma City in 1965, where David worked before going to pharmacy school at OU. They moved back to Tulsa in 1969 and their second son, Kevin, was born in 1970. Joyce enjoyed staying home with the boys, leading their activities, and meticulously planning the Raley family road trips. Eventually, she would join David at Raley Pharmacy and became the matriarch of the "Raley girls". Joyce and David would work side by side to help successfully operate the family business until selling to Walgreen's in 2009. The couple were thrilled to welcome their first grandchild in 2001, and Joyce dove fully into her role as "Mamie". Before long, she was Mamie to five grandchildren, who were the loves of her life. Going to their games and school events, providing rides, and hosting sleepovers became her greatest joy. During this busy time, Joyce and David were active members of the Open Door class at Christ Methodist, and Joyce also discovered a life-changing new hobby, tap dancing with the Step-Sisters. And of course, Joyce and David never passed up the opportunity to attend an OU game, take a vacation, or spend the evening with their amazing friends from Pharmacy School. Joyce was adored and admired by so many. Her friends often talked about her faith in friendship and how she was always there when needed. She loved being with both her family and friends, and long conversations on the phone, get-togethers and any opportunity to talk and tell stories were part of her life's great experiences. Making others feel better was one of her greatest gifts. She is survived by her husband of 62 years, David; son Brian and his wife, Victoria, and grandchildren Sloane, Tate and Raquel; and son Kevin and his wife, Holly, and grandchildren McKenna and Leah. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Wayne. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 21st, at 10:00am at the Chapel at Memorial Park Cemetery, with Dr. Robert Mansfield officiating. Moore Southlawn 918-663-2233

Joyce Fern Raley

August 2, 1943 - June 11, 2025