Joyce Parnell transitioned to her eternal resting place on August 24, 2020. She was born Joyce LaBarbara Wheeler on July 23, 1933, in Akron, Ohio to George Wheeler and Grace Bell Hughes. Joyce was united in marriage to Charles Parnell Jr., on April 18, 1953. Unto that union was born four sons, Reginald Lamont, Charles Rodney, Renard Dale, and James Randall.
Joyce attended North High School and later worked for many years as a Nursing Assistant at the VA Hospital in Brecksville. She proudly retired after over 20 years of committed service, she was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her quiet strength was the glue that kept her family together. With four sons she was enthusiastic about sports especially the Garfield “Rams” also following the Cleveland Browns. However, no one could deny her favorite past times were watching “her stories” and reading the daily newspaper. Along with her sisters, she greatly enjoyed shopping for similar items and exchanging just the right gifts. Yet, her greatest joy was attending to the needs of her husband and family. One could often find her in the kitchen expressing her love by preparing delicious meals. As a long-time member of the Phoenix Chapter #96, Order of the Eastern Stars and Al Kaf Court #144, both in Akron, Ohio. She often attended regional conferences with her husband and lifelong friends Walter and Bettie Jones. Joyce, affectionately known as “Bob” was the youngest of three daughters.

She was preceded in death by her parents George Wheeler and Grace Bell Hughes; two older sisters and their spouses, Mildred Dickson (Arthur, Sr.), Voyce Effola Goodwin (Mark); six brothers, George “Sac” Jr. (Mattie Crooks), James Willard, Harold Lee (Doris Whatley), William “Bill” (Alice Smith), Donn “Butch” (Norma Jean Miller) and Earl “Dee Dee” Wheeler and Alice Smedley; youngest son James Randall (Randy) and her husband of 61 years-Charles Parnell (Junie).

She leaves to mourn her passing, sons and daughters-in-law, Reginald L. Parnell (Renee), Charles R. Parnell (Mary J.), Renard D. “Renny” (Zemoria); grandchildren, Angela Parnell-Jackson (Todd), Charles R. Parnell Jr. (Aisha), Renzy D. Parnell (Shante), Marissa G. Ivery (Jerome), Maya Hammonds, Remarr D. Parnell, Taleasha Singleton, Ryland A. Parnell, Rynell C. Parnell; 11 great-grandchildren, sisters-in-law, Faye Hubbard, Meloris Kelley, Janie Brookins, Eloise Parnell and a host of cherished nieces and nephews, extended family including special friend Bettie Jones.