Mary “Joyce” Drury, 88, of Owensboro, was called home on June 20, 2025. She was born on April 5, 1937, to the late James “Pete” O’Bryan & Martine Murphy.
A lifelong nurturer, Joyce found joy in life’s simple pleasures—tending to her garden, preparing delicious home-cooked meals, and preserving the harvest through canning. Her kitchen was often filled with the comforting aroma of something simmering on the stove and the sound of laughter as she listened to her children share stories.
She especially loved long joy rides around the countryside, taking in the beauty of nature and the peace it brought. In the evenings, Joyce could often be found watching her favorite television shows, particularly Family Feud and Judge Judy, or listening to the timeless tunes of classic country music. Her gentle presence and quick wit were a source of comfort and delight to all who knew her. Joyce also worked at Mt. St. Joseph in housekeeping for 20 years.
A faithful member of St. Alphonsus Catholic Church, Joyce lived her life with humility, grace, and unwavering love for her family. Her legacy will live on in the values she instilled and the memories she helped create.
Along with her parents, Joyce is preceded in death by her husband of 33 years, James Marvin Drury, until his passing in 1992, her siblings, Charles O’Bryan, Jim O’Bryan, Kenny Ray O’Bryan, Judy Daily, Patty Pike, Wanda Wahl and her infant brother Terry O’Bryan.
Those left to cherish her memory include her siblings, Danny O’Bryan (Janie), Roger O’Bryan, Larry O’Bryan (Anna), Tommy O’Bryan (Pat), Jerry O’Bryan (Judy), Richard O’Bryan (Nancy) Joe O’Bryan (Marilyn), her children, Brenda Haire (Paul), Jim Drury (Linda), Charlotte Stelmach (Mike), Karen Ballard (Joe), Tammy Murphy (Phil), Tracy Hodskins (Phillip), her grandchildren, Jimmy Drury, Bethany Hayden, Lauren Fogle, Melissa Trogdon, Andrew Stelmach, Rebecca Head, Sarah Badertscher, Caleb Murphy, Shane Hodskins, Emily West, Hunter Hodskins, Luke Murphy, and 18 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church Parish Hall. Friends and family are invited to visitation, at the parish hall, on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will take place at St. Alphonsus Cemetery on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, immediately following Mass.
Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Alphonsus Building Fund in Joyces honor.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is honored and privileged to be entrusted with Mary Joyce Drury’s care. Please leave condolence messages for the family of Mrs. Drury and sign their virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.