Joyce Leota Hampton, 84


Joyce Leota Hampton, 84

Funeral services for Joyce Leota Ledbetter Hampton, 84, of Springfield, were held Nov. 1, 2021, at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home in Springfield.  Mrs. Hampton died Oct. 25 at her home.

She was born Dec. 5, 1936, in Lutie, the daughter of Hobert and Maxine Hogan Ledbetter. She graduated from Gainesville High School in 1953, and on Dec. 5, 1954, she married Arnold Hampton.

Mrs. Hampton was a member of First General Baptist Church and was baptized when she was 12 years old in a creek at Theodosia. She was a 61-year member of Eastern Star chapter 432 in Gainesville. She graduated from Southwest Missouri State College (now Missouri State University) with a teaching certificate and taught all eight elementary grades in a one-room schoolhouse in Dugginsville. She retired from St. John’s Health Center in Springfield in 2002 after working there for 27 years.

She was a two-time breast cancer survivor and a devoted and loving wife, mother and grandmother. Her greatest love and passion was being Nanny and Nana to her grandchildren, who adored her. Joyce loved to cook for her family, and they sure loved it.

She is survived by her son, Greg Hampton of Springfield; daughters Greta Pierce and Gayla Marafino and husband Christopher, all of Springfield; grandchildren Christal Hampton, Bianca Pierce and Gabriel Marafino; great-grandchildren Demara Hampton and Myla Chevis; great-great-grandchildren Demani Hampton, Smya Hampton, Major Smith and Kamilah Smith; and sister Sue Baber of Springfield.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; brothers Dwight Ledbetter and Travis Ledbetter; and sister Lena Hobbs and husband Rex.

Burial was in the Missouri Veterans Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to First General Baptist Church, 1400 W. Walnut St., Springfield, MO 65806.

Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home, Springfield, directors.

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423