Melba Joy Cepurniek

September 2, 1933 - January 31, 2022

Melba "Joy" Cepurniek - loving Christian wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend - received her last, best promotion to be in the Lord's presence when she passed away Monday, January 31st in Tulsa, OK. She was born in Sidney, TX to Mina and Johnie Price on September 2, 1933. Joy leaves behind her husband, Andy Cepurniek, having celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary June 2021; daughter Perri Craven, MD and son-in-law Tom Craven, MD; daughter Laura Fisher and son-in-law Rick Fisher; grandchildren and their spouses Conley (Craven) and Evan Stahl, Christopher and Paige Fisher, Haley (Fisher) and Dustin Titus, and Bridge Craven who is soon to be married to Katie Boswell; great-granddaughter Perrin Stahl, and a great-grandson Titus on the way; sister Sue Gardenhire and recently deceased brother-in-law Charles Gardenhire; brother Johnie Price, Jr and sister-in-law Becky Price; and their 2 beloved dachshunds Rudy and Jilli. Joy attended Wayland Baptist College to earn her Bachelor's and University of Texas for some Master's level work in Elementary Education. She taught Elementary age children, mostly 4th grade, for over 35 years. The majority of her teaching career was dedicated to Jenks Public Schools. Joy and Andy have attended John Knox Presbyterian Church in Tulsa since 1968. She enjoyed many extracurricular activities like birdwatching, cooking, gardening, and loved all sports. She served on the Board of the Oklahoma Education Association, Philcrest Hills Tennis Club and was an Elder of John Knox Presbyterian Church. In retirement, Joy volunteered as a docent at the Oklahoma Aquarium and was active in the Tulsa Garden Club. The family lovingly called her the "Sports Information Director" as she followed in great detail every tennis tournament, basketball, football, even golf. She knew coaches, players, trade deals. Joy actively filled out brackets for March Madness, Wimbledon and the US Open. Ever need a tip on who to pick to advance? Ask Mommo! (Conley as first-born grandchild dubbed her "Mommo") Our Mommo/Joy will be greatly missed and forever loved! Memorial Service to be held Friday, February 18th, 3pm at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 2929 E. 31st St., Tulsa OK. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Clarehouse.