Joyce Ray Harden, 87, passed away at Riggs Manor in Raymond on Dec. 26, 2019.

She was born in Vicksburg to John Wesley Ray, Sr. and Minnie Grace Ray and lived in Vicksburg for over 80 years. She graduated from St. Francis in 1950 and had a special, lifelong bond with many friends from the “Sister School.”

She retired from Waterways Experiment Station in 1995 with 28 years of Federal service.

She was a member of First Baptist Church, Vicksburg, and enjoyed volunteer work at the Salvation Army and River Region Hospital.

With her sweet and caring spirit, even in the final stages of Alzheimer’s, she entertained and showed kindness to the residents at Riggs and her caregivers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Harl (J.R.) Harden Jr.; her sons Steve and Robby (Bay) Harden; her brother John (Sonny) Ray, Jr. and her sister Helen Ray.

She is survived by her son, Michael Harden (Sharon); grandchildren John Harden (Grace) and Rebecca Wilkerson (Mike); four great-grandchildren; sister-in-law Pat Barker and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the staffs of Riggs Manor and Compassus Hospice who cared for our “Mamoo” with such compassion and love.

Visitation will be Thursday, Jan. 2, 2019, from 1 to 2:30 pm at Glenwood Funeral Home in Vicksburg with the service, officiated by Dr. Matt Buckles, to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, Vicksburg or the local Salvation Army.