Joyce Rollins Essley passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, at the age of 85. She was born on March 28, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts, to George and Marion Rollins. Joyce grew up in Belmont, MA, and went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Amherst. While in college, she was a head cheerleader and a member of Chi Omega sorority. After receiving her degree in English, Joyce earned a Master's degree in Education from Lesley College in Cambridge, MA.

Joyce was a dedicated and highly regarded elementary school teacher for 29 years. She retired in 1994, in Austin, TX. Her favorite grades to teach were first and second. After retiring, she moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, with her husband of 47 years, John P. Essley, to help run the family ranch. Having a passion for interior design, she spent many hours shopping to find the "perfect" decor for her home in Tulsa. Although a retired educator, being of service to her community continued to be an important tenet in Joyce's life. She was a volunteer docent at Gilcrease Museum for 22 years. During her time there, Joyce held many committee positions, including Gillie Volunteers Organization President from 2000-2001. Joyce also volunteered with Operation School Bell, a signature program for the Assistance League of Tulsa, for three years. She enjoyed providing clothing and personal shopping assistance for elementary children in need.

In her free time, Joyce loved spending weekends on the lake with her life-long friends, golfing, playing tennis, and snow skiing. She was a prolific reader, reading a book a week until her death. Spending the holidays and summers with her family brought her great joy.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, George and Marion Rollins, her sister, Margaret Geoffrion (Lee), and her brother, George Rollins. She is survived by her beloved husband, John P. Essley, Tulsa, OK, stepchildren, Mark C. Essley (Andrea), San Diego, CA, and Michelle C. Caranikas (James), Austin, TX, and grandsons, Nicholas Caranikas, San Jose, CA, and Pete Caranikas, Austin, TX.

Joyce disliked going to funerals and figured other people felt the same way, so she requested no service. The family will honor that request. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Francis Hospital Hospice.