Joyce Lynn Roundtree

Sunrise: October 29, 1941, Sunset: July 15, 2025

With hearts full of love and deep gratitude, we celebrate the extraordinary life of Joyce Lynn Steele Roundtree. Joyce was a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and faithful servant, who peacefully passed away on July 15, 2025, at the age of eighty-four. Joyce’s life was a journey of quiet strength, perseverance, and resilience.

Joyce was born in Chicago Illinois on October 29, 1941, to parents Harry and Thelma Griffin. With the passing of her parents, at 6 years old, Joyce was adopted by her aunt and uncle, Lula Mae and Julius Dierker. Fondly known as Maemae and Jule. They raised her in St. Charles MO.

She attended Franklin Elementary School and St. Charles High School in the 1950s. After high school, Joyce married Luther Jr. Steele (Bubby) on March 21, 1958, and from that union came a beautiful family. Later in life, she found lasting love and a soulful companionship in John Roundtree, who remained her heart’s true partner until his death.. Joyce is to be commended for the raising of her 7 children, doing the best she could with what she had. She was a devoted employee with MEMC in St. Peters MO where she worked the midnight shift for twenty-three years. Once retired, her passion for service continued as she worked for the St. Charles School District as a cafeteria attendant for a local middle school for 14 years. Her work was never just a job—it reflected her commitment to serving. Joyce’s deepest devotion was to her faith and family. She gave her life to Christ at St. Paul United Methodist Church, in St. Charles, at an early age. She later transferred her membership to St. John's AME Church, where her spirit found both purpose and peace as a respected and faithful member.

Joyce was a singer. Her angelic soprano voice blessed many worship services. She loved to entertain and to be entertained. She found joy in the presence of her children who all inherited her flair for comedy and wit. Whether it was a community dance, back yard party or picnic in the park, she craved the presence of those she loved to be around her.

She was the beloved mother of seven children: Byron Steele (Kelly), Alletta Callaway (Wendell, aka Jack) Jeffery Steele {deceased} (Chevtovea Steele), Carla Marr, Stevie Steele (Becky), Stephaine Mozee (Wilbur), and Juan Roundtree (Nicole) each of whom carries a piece of her light in their hearts. In addition, her love blossomed for her honorary daughter, Susan Simons and spread across thirteen grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren. Joyce once wrote that she hoped she had “put enough good in the world.” To those who knew her, there is no question—she did, in her own unique way. She will be deeply missed.