Joyce LaRae Arnold, 67, of Nowata passed away on Monday, Aug 10, 2026. Joyce was born on Mar 13, 1959, in Claremore, OK to Melvin Chambers and Betty McCaskey. She attended grade school at Verdigris and was a member of the Claremore Zebra's class of 1977. She worked in food service for many years, and for a large portion of that time she was a manager with Burger King. She grew up in the Verdigris Assembly of God Church and was a member of the Cherokee Nation.

Joyce is survived by her children Bettina Godfrey, Crystal Cody & Rick, and Anthony Chambers. Her step-father Francis Garland. Her siblings Vicky Randolph & Dennis, Darlene Stover and Terry Montgomery, Earlene Lawhorn & Mark, Rustin Garland & Jenna, Todd Garland, Shawn Garland and Peggy, Dewayne Garland & Karen, Rebecca LaRue and Richard; 14 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and 1 great great grandson; as well as a host of other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Michael Don Arnold, whom she was married to on July 4, 2013 in Kellyville, Oklahoma, one daughter, Angelia Godfrey, her parents, Melvin Chambers and Betty Garland, and one grand daughter, EraLynn Cody.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 10:00 am in the Benjamin Funeral Chapel, Nowata, with Mr. Steve Cody officiating. Her final resting place will be in the Woodlawn Cemetery, Claremore, with Mark Lawhorn, Brandon Lawhorn, Carlos Castellanos, Tye Cody, Ricky Cody, and Jestan Cody serving as casket bearers.

Online condolences can be left at www.honoringmemoriesnowata.com or the Benjamin Funeral Home Facebook page. Arrangements are under the direction of the Benjamin Funeral Service, 114 W. Cherokee, Nowata. 918-273-2700