Mary Joyce Newsome was born on June 6, 1948, in Mendenhall, Mississippi, to the late Mr. Fred Newsome and Thelma Lee (Keys) Newsome. She was the second of six children born to this union.

Mary Joyce  graduated from Harper High in 1967. She married Willie Ray Dampeer in 1970. They had four children – three boys and one girl. While raising her family, Joyce worked diligently at Magnetek sharing her loving smile and free spirit with all those around her.

Mary Joyce was a devoted member of the Greater Dry Ridge M.B. Church. She was not just a member but a worker. She was a member of the Usher Board, Floral Committee, and served as a Deaconess. Her love for people and the Lord could always be seen through her smile, heard through her laughter, and felt through her hugs. She was always a true joy to be around and it was always her goal to be a help to anyone in need.

Mary Joyce leaves to cherish her memory: her loving husband, Willie Ray Dampeer; one daughter, Kim Jordan (Corey); three sons, David Newsome (Toni), Dennis Dampeer (LaToya) and Fredrick Dampeer (LyTonia); 13 grandchildren, Ryan Lockhart, Darrian Perkins, Antonio Newsome, Martinez Newsome, Destiny Ruffin, Kourtny Jordan, Kiara Dampeer, Katlyn Dampeer, Dennis Dampeer, Jr., Fredrick Dampeer, Jr., Quan Williams, Malik Williams, and MiKala Dampeer; two great grandchildren, Ryan C. Lockhart, II and Roderick J. Smith; one sister, Linda Washington, Detroit, Michigan; four brothers, Billy Ray Newsome, Charles Fred Newsome, Leotis Newsome (Linda), and Stanley Newsome (her brother and special baby); special brother and sister-in-law, Kitty and Marilyn Dampeer; two aunts, Lucille Berry and Mandy Rhodes; two sisters-in-law, Bae Dampeer of Chicago, Illinois and Bonnie McCullum; adopted sister, Addean Nelson (Fred); adopted daughters, Monique McCray and Alberta; and a host of nieces and nephews.