Wanda "Joyce" Garman

One of the most caring and biggest-hearted souls to ever bless the lives of others, Wanda Joyce (Gage) Garman, better known to many simply as Joyce, departed this life early Wednesday morning, May 13, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 91 years old.

Joyce was born on March 25, 1935, in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, to Robert Gage and Mary (Blair) Gage. From an early age, Joyce possessed a servant’s heart, one that would continue to shine brightly throughout her entire life. She had a gift for making people feel welcomed, cared for, and loved, especially children, who always seemed to find comfort in her gentle spirit and open arms.

To know Joyce was to know kindness. She had a way of loving people deeply and unconditionally. Though she never had biological children of her own, she lovingly “adopted” many throughout her lifetime, offering encouragement, guidance, meals, hugs, and a safe place to land for anyone who needed it. Her home was often filled with laughter, warm meals, and children who knew they were always welcome. No child ever left Joyce’s home hungry, as she found great joy in cooking and feeding others, always making sure everyone felt like family.

Joyce devoted much of her life to serving others. For twelve years, she faithfully served as a house mother at Cookson Hills, where she poured love, compassion, and guidance into the lives of countless children. Her caring heart and nurturing spirit left a lasting impression on so many who were fortunate enough to know her.

Her faith was a cornerstone of her life. Joyce cherished attending Bible study at Christ View Christian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she found fellowship, strength, and peace in God’s word. Her faith was not only something she believed, but something she lived daily through acts of kindness and service to others.

Outside of caring for those she loved, Joyce found happiness in life’s simple treasures. She loved gardening and took pride in caring for her flowers, finding joy in watching things bloom. In years past, she enjoyed fishing by the river, camping in the family camper, and traveling. Some of her most treasured adventures were trips to Alaska, where she loved visiting her brothers and making precious memories together.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mary Gage; her son, Chris Crumm; daughter, Leisa Beavers; her husbands, Wayne Crumm and Earl Garman; and her brothers, John Gage and Bill Gage.

Those left to cherish her memory and carry forward the love she so freely gave include her brother and sister-in-law, Lee Gage and wife, Lori, of Big Lake, Alaska; her grandchildren, Jessica Ball, Ryan Ball, Katelynn Ball, Ashton Ball, and Windle Crumm; her great-grandchildren, Kelly Ball, Addison Ball, and Ripley Joyce Crumm; along with the many adopted children and countless lives she touched throughout the years, each carrying a piece of Joyce’s love in their hearts.

Joyce’s life was a beautiful reflection of compassion, generosity, and unwavering love. While her family grieves her absence, they find comfort in knowing that Heaven surely welcomed home a woman who spent her life caring for others. Her kindness, warm meals, loving heart, and gentle spirit will never be forgotten, and the seeds of love she planted in so many lives will continue to bloom for generations to come.

A Visitation will be held in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home on Thursday, May 21, 2026, from 10 am - 12 pm.

A Funeral Service will be held to honor the life of Joyce Garman on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of Mallett Funeral Home.

Interment will follow at Pioneer Cemetery in Wagoner, Oklahoma, where Joyce will be laid to rest next to her late husband, Wayne Crumm. Those serving as casket bearers include Ryan Ball, Windle Crumm, Jeremy Beavers, Jason Herskind,  Jessica Ball, and Katelynn Ball.