On the morning of June 13, 2026, Joyce Carey Gaither Warren passed peacefully at home with her children by her side. She was welcomed into Heaven by the family and friends who preceded her in death.

Joyce was born on June 2, 1929, in Kansas City, Missouri, to Georgie Leah and John Lloyd Carey. She had one brother, Philip O. Carey. When she was a young child, the family moved to Oklahoma City, where Joyce spent most of her life. She graduated from Classen High School and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from the University of Oklahoma in 1951. While at OU, she was a member of the 1951 Swing Club. She was a proud member of the Chi Omega sorority and remained active in the Chi Omega Alumnae Association throughout her life.

A woman of deep faith, Joyce was a lifelong member of All Souls' Episcopal Church and an active member of Saint Ann’s Guild. A devoted member of P.E.O. Chapter CA, she served as past president of the Oklahoma City Reciprocity Group. In March 2026, Joyce was recognized and honored for 70 years of membership in P.E.O at the Founder’s Day Luncheon. Her many civic and volunteer activities included service with the Oklahoma City Symphony Society, Girl Scouts, and Mobile Meals. She was also a dedicated supporter of New View Oklahoma and Impact Oklahoma.

Joyce was an avid golfer who especially treasured time on the course with her three sons. A two-time Low Net Champion at Oklahoma City Golf & Country Club, she recorded three holes-in-one during her golfing years. Always a loyal supporter and booster, she was instrumental in creation of the University of Oklahoma Women’s Golf Team. When not golfing, Joyce enjoyed playing bridge with friends and family.

Joyce was a sports fan fanatic wearing team shirts on games days and would watch the OU & OSU girls’ softball, football, baseball, and basketball teams and NFL Football. She was proud of the OKC Thunder. This year she picked the winner of the Kentucky Derby and Belmont (Golden Tempo) and was ecstatic and proud for the woman trainer.

Christmas was always a special time for the family. The traditional Christmas eve gathering of friends and family included wonderful hors-d’oeuvres and time together while Joyce would play the piano and all would gather around singing Christmas carols.

Joyce had a remarkable gift for friendship. Her circle of friends was vast, and if you met Joyce—even briefly—you were likely to become one of the them. The love, kindness, and joy she shared throughout her 97 years touched countless lives. Her family will forever cherish her faith, warmth, generosity, and unwavering optimism, striving to carry forward the many virtues she so beautifully exemplified.

Joyce was preceded in death by her first husband, George C. “Pete” Gaither; her second husband, Ed Warren, who passed away in 2009; her daughter, Carey Ann Steel; and her son, John Kirk Gaither.

She is survived by her daughter, Meg Tomlinson; grandson Pete Tomlinson; and granddaughter Rachael Zweifel and husband, Cody. She is also survived by her son, Steven Dee Gaither, and his wife, Linda; grandsons Drew and Ryan Gaither and his wife, Paige; and great-grandson Jeremy Gaither.

She is further survived by her son, George “Trey” Gaither, and his wife, Laura; granddaughter Halie Summers and her husband, Sam, and their children, Leah and Luke; grandson Alex Gaither and his wife, Samantha, and their children, Benjamin, Annie, and Graham. Additional survivors include her daughter-in-law, Nancy Gaither; grandson Jack Gaither; son-in-law, David Steel; stepdaughter, Helen Harmon; as well as numerous cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

Joyce’s life was marked by faith, service, friendship, and devotion to family and friends. She leaves a legacy of love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.

Services will be on Wednesday, July 1st at 2:00 PM at All Souls’ Episcopal Church, located at 6400 N. Pennsylvania, Oklahoma City, OK.