Joyce O. Haas

Joyce O Haas, died at the age of 94 in her home in Knoxville, TN, on December 3, 2023. Joyce was in hospice care at home and passed peacefully while sleeping. A lifelong Christian and follower of Jesus, she was eager and joyful to meet her God and her Savior.

Joyce was born Marjorie Joyce on January 6, 1929, to the late Jake and Mary Osterhout in Big Timber, MT. She had an older brother and two younger sisters. Joyce attended high school at Bible Training School and College in Sevierville, TN. On October 3, 1948, she married Don Haas, also from Big Timber. He was a lineman for the Treasure State Telephone Company and Joyce was a switchboard operator. She was an active member of the Church of God; a song leader, soloist, and organist. Work-related transfers took them to St. Marys, WV in 1966, and Lynchburg, Va. In 1969. Always active in church and always caring for children, Joyce had five children, adopted two, and provided care for six foster children.

In 1974 after another transfer they settled in Knoxville, TN. She joined Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church and was an active participant in many aspects of the life of the church including Prayer Around the Altar, Sunday School, Fish (food outreach ministry), Willing Workers Circle, Keenagers, Lunch Bunch, choir and so much more. After a brief stay in Palmyra, PA, in 1984 dad retired and they relocated back to Knoxville. Joyce made bread and gave it away to everyone she knew. She started a day-care in her home for infants and provided a loving and prayerful start for dozens of children. Many will remember her affectionately as Mama Haas. In 1995 following Don's stroke, she became his loving caregiver for the next 17 years. Her church and her family were her life and she prayed for everyone she knew. In 2011 her daughters Sue and Betty took on the mantle of care providers; a blessing beyond words and value.

She is survived by six children, sixteen grandchildren, 36 great-grandchildren, 6 great-great-grandchildren, and many nephews and nieces. She was predeceased by her husband, Donald George Haas on June 5, 2012, after 63 years of marriage. Also preceding her was her daughter Karen Joyce Clark, granddaughter Dawn Marie Rose, great-grandson Jacob Daniel Haas, sisters Loira Jean Volker and Edwina Marie Bevel, and brother Wayne Archie Osterhout.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at her church in the Family Life Center at 7234 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville TN. 37909, Saturday, January 6, 2024. There will be a visitation at 1:00 and a service following at 2:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Fish Ministry at Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church.