Veloria Joyce Boone Merritt

In loving memory of Veloria Joyce Boone Merritt.
January 31, 1965 ~ April 30, 2024

Veloria Joyce Boone Merritt, of Savanna, Illinois and Junction City, Arkansas, was born to Lennis and Louise (Graham) Boone. She spent her formative years in Junction City, where family was most important and getting together for a cookout was the best event of the week. At the age of 13, she ventured north to Savanna, Illinois, where she lived with Uncle Lornell and Aunt Bobbie Grayson, attending Savanna schools, until she returned to Junction City for her senior year, proudly graduating from Junction City High School alongside her brother, with the Class of 1983.

Joyce, as she was affectionately known, embraced life with zest and enthusiasm. In 1986, she welcomed her beloved daughter, Clarissa "Ree" Boone, into the world. Joyce was a pillar of strength and love for Ree, always encouraging her to reach for the stars and be the best version of herself. As a mother, Joyce poured her heart and soul into raising Ree, ensuring that she had every opportunity to succeed.

Joyce carried herself with dignity, grace, and a strong faith. Her reverence for the Lord was evident, and she placed her trust in Him without reservation. In her faith, she followed the lead of the family Patriarch, Lornel Grayson, and Matriarch, Aunt Alice Godfrey. Joyce possessed a unique gift of seeing the best in others and empowering them to shine by giving them her trust. Her presence brought love and warmth, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her.

Though Joyce has departed from this earth, her light continues to shine brightly among us. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness lives on, a testament to a heart that touched countless souls.

She will be dearly missed by her daughter, Clarissa Boone of Dubuque, Iowa; her special nephews, Kalon and Jalon Noble; six siblings, Tammy Banks of Dubuque, Iowa, Eduardo (Tammy Hendrix) Boone of Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Roger (La Shunda) Boone of Camden, Arkansas, Alfonzo Boone of Dubuque, Iowa, Edna Noble of Junction City, Arkansas and Tameka Malone of Junction City, Arkansas; and a host of nieces and nephews.

Joyce is preceded in death by both parents; a sister, Rhonda Watson; a brother, Calvin Boone; a brother-in-law, Telvin Malone; and a nephew, Dominique Noble.

A Celebration of Life service will be held 11am Monday, May 6, 2024 at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, followed by a gathering at Manny’s. Joyce wished to be a blessing at all times, memorials will go to helping others.