Wrestleview is sad to report that former NWA Women’s Joyce Grable (real name Betty Wade-Murphy), passed away on Friday at age 70.
Grable’s passing came just a few days after she reportedly had entered hospice care.
Following her pro wrestling debut in 1971, she wrestled for the NWA, WWWF, Stampede Wrestling, World Wrestling Council, and the AWA. She held the NWA Women’s Tag-Team Championship six-times – three times with Vicki Williams and Wendi Richter. In addition, Grable also held the NWA Texas Women’s Championship and the NWA United States Women’s Championship. During her time in the WWWF, Grable wrestled The Fabulous Moolah.
Grable retired from pro wrestling in 1991 and then had back surgery. After retiring from pro wrestling, Grable worked as a receptionist at a center for mentally and physically disabled people.
Back on January 29, 2005, Grable appeared at WrestleReunion managing Sherri Martel, the late Peggy Lee Leather, Krissy Vaine, and Amber O’Neal in an eight-woman tag team match against Wendi Richter, Bambi, Malia Hosaka, and Jenny Taylor.
Grable was inducted into the Professional Wrestling Hall of Fame in 2013 and the NWA Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2013, Grable revealed she had been diagnosed with cancer. Last year she was honored with the Cauliflower Alley Club’s Courage Award.
Grable was originally from Columbus, Georgia. She has one biological son – Derek Murphy, a step daughter – Melissa Wade and a stepson from her second husband – Richard Wade from his first marriage. Grable also worked as a trainer at the women’s wrestling training facility ran by Fabulous Moolah.
Wrestleview sends its condolences to the family and friends of Joyce Grable.
Sources used for this report were taken from the sources on Joyce Grable’s Wikipedia Page and Fightful.