Joyce Laverne Benintendi's Obituary
Proverbs 31 paints the picture of an ideal woman, the best example of a virtuous wife and mother. This final Proverb echoes Proverbs 1:7 “ fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.” Proverbs 31 describes the ideal woman as virtuous, strong, and selfless. She does not wait to be served but rises early, even before sunrise to delegate tasks and engage in business. She possesses “a range of manual, commercial, administrative, and interpersonal skills.” This woman “opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” She is loving, dignified, and her virtues increase her husband’s reputation.” She is sharp but honest, engaged in business for the benefit of her household. Above all, she fears the Lord, for “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”
Joyce would be the first to admit she was not perfect and that she definitely had her regrets in life, but the Lord tells us just as He reminded her, that His words did not mean that she was meant “to be more” but as a celebration of who He created her to be. His words did not require her to have a “spotless house” (but she did!) or to have perfectly behaved children (and she did not) These words from Proverbs 31 describe a woman who honors God by seeking Him in everything she does and trusting Him wholeheartedly with her life that would grow & overflow into spiritual maturity and wisdom. This Proverbs 31 woman is not born this way; she gets there by a process of refinement, which is a work of the Holy Spirit. A woman who yearns to please God by striving to be the perfect example, but understanding that every Christian is a work in progress. As a wife, mother, grandmother, friend, neighbor, coworker, Joyce reflected these characteristics in so many ways: in her 20 years of caregiving to her late husband, Maurice Jeffress and continuing to love & maintain a close relationship with his son & daughter-in-law, Mark and Anne Jeffress of Maryland and their daughters Katie & Erin and families even after she met, fell in love with and married her current and beloved Floyd Benintendi. She has always been a “day-brightener” and leaves behind a legacy of love and hope to a host of family whom will be named at the end of this “obituary.” As a young mother, she was a Blue Bird leader, a War Stamp Lady and more than once a homeroom mother – very active with her children and in her church and community in a variety of ways. After her children were well-settled into their school years, she started her “business career” where she formed new friendships and lifelong relationships. Her business career included Humpty Dumpty Grocery, Sooner Federal Savings & Loans, and Sun Oil Company where she served at several levels, was chosen as Miss Redfeather, and retired. A special shout-out to Jack Morton! She joined Toastmistresses early on to gain some confidence in public speaking. Church-life and service were always an important part of her life, too. She was an active member of three churches through the years: Sapulpa First Methodist Church, Parkview Baptist Church, and Olivet Baptist Church. She was an active member of the Tulsa Chapter of Christian Women’s Club for many years in which she hosted many coffees and Bible studies. She & Floyd together volunteered at their Stonecroft Ministry Center in Missouri for several years. She loved to work with and alongside Floyd in the many “handyman” service projects throughout their marriage not only through the church but to family, neighbors and friends. One of the highlights of spending time with friends and family was the weekly card games she hosted which included her sister, Mary Carolyn, her lifelong BFF, Shirley Holt, and the cousin as close as a sister, Joanna Richmond. Later in life, especially as her health began to fail, she especially loved hosting Sunday hymn sings led by her grandson, Josh Miller.
She loved to travel and, in fact, she & Floyd, met and became fast friends with Mar and her late husband John Maloney - even becoming neighbors and travel partners!
Joyce Laverne Mobley Benintendi was born in Sapulpa, Oklahoma, on September 13, 1932, to John R & Jewel Hill Mobley. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, John D, and Billie Lee (at 18 months consequences of the dust bowl).
She is survived by her beloved husband of 24 years, Floyd Eugene Benintendi and his daughters Karen Randolph (Mike), Lenisse Lippert (Tim) and their families, her fun-loving sister, Mary Carolyn Bryan and her family.
Her children, grandchildren (greats & great-greats):
Sandra Brock Miller, John Travis Miller of Jenks (Josh & Reagan) Glen E Miller III & Bara of Echterdingen Germany (Maddie & Finley)
Susan Brock Hutson &Terry, Destiny Bettis Rodriguez & Juan of Tulsa (Storm, Julian & Catalina) April Bettis Youell of Broken Arrow (Hunter Youell & Mercedes, Hayden Sturm)
Sheryl Joyce Brock Montgomery & Chuck, Eric (Daniel & Eli) Christina Joyce Voss & Josh (Colton & Haley, Chloe Joyce, Kashlyn & Skylar) all of Sapulpa
James R (Jim) Brock & Penny, Angela Harless & Lawson (Callie Grace) - all of Sapulpa
Great-greats:
Karlei, Leithan, Nyxon & Izzy Youell
Zane, Remy, Liam Ballinger and Joey Boydston
Lincoln Voss
We want to give a special thank you to Compassus Home Health Care (most especially to Whitney!)
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