On July 14, 2024, Joice Vivian Miller Criswell, passed away from her life in Dyersburg into her eternal home with Christ.

Joice was the daughter of Robert Manuel Miller, Sr. and Lethia Mae Miller. She was preceded in death by her parents and two brothers, Robert Manuel Miller, Jr. and William Franklin Miller, both of Dyersburg. Also preceding her in death was her husband of 58 years, Thomas Roland Criswell, Sr. Their children are Ricki Criswell Elks (Larry) of Jackson, Thomas "Tommy" Roland Criswell, Jr. (Kay) of Dyersburg and Patrick "Shawn" Criswell (Karen) of Dyersburg.

"Grandmother Joice" took great pride in her grandchildren, Renee Bassham (Matt), Leigh-Anna Veal (Justin), Joshua Pruett (Rose), Ryan Elks, Selina Purvis, Leah Willis Jacobs (Nick), Matt Willis (Katie), Ashley Stevens (Peyton), Jonathan Criswell (Scarlett) and Justin Criswell. Her nineteen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren caused her joy to overflow. One precious granddaughter, Annaleigh Renee Escobar, also preceded her in death, and Annaleigh may have been the first one to greet her when she arrived at heaven.

From her youth, Joice was industrious and she was proud of her accomplishments with several work assignments, to include high risk policies at Kemper Insurance of Chicago, telephone operator at Southern Bell Telephone Company and a general associate at Thomas Industries. Later, Joice accepted assignments throughout as a substitute teacher in Dyer County. Her skills in the classroom resulted in a high demand for her services. In every work location, Joice received recognition and a collection of lifetime friends.

She was also known for her resourcefulness and creativity in her home. There was a demand for her innovative recipes, and she was a master of recycling before it was a common practice. Joice was also a self-taught hairdresser. On her days off, it was not uncommon for a friend or family member to stop by for a haircut or perm.

This mother, grandmother, great and great-grandmother, aunt, friend, neighbor loved us well and she will be dearly missed.

Services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 16, 2024 in the chapel of Dyersburg Funeral Home with Bro. Larry Koonce and Bro. Loren Stephens officiating. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 a.m. until service time.

Pallbearers will be Christian Escobar, Matt Willis, Joshua Pruett, Tyler Jacobs, Peyton Stevens and Justin Veal. Honorary pallbearers will be Zac Bassham, Jonathan Criswell and Matt Bassham.

Memorials may be directed to the Damascus Project, 333 South Mill Avenue, Dyersburg, TN 38024.