Joyce Jeanne Griffin
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Joyce Jeanne Griffin passed peacefully of natural causes on February 23, 2021. She was 79.
Joyce was born March 20, 1941 in Wallace, West Virginia. She was the daughter of Rex and Estella Carson. Joyce had deep roots in West Virginia, with six generations of relatives working the timber of Harrison County.
Joyce married William Ray Griffin on December 1, 1962. Bill enlisted in the Air Force, and as a career NCO, he and Joyce served in New Zealand, India, Florida, and California.
The two gave birth to Sherri in 1966, and Brenda in 1967. Joyce was blessed with these two daughters; five grandchildren named Katelyn, Jeanné, Ana, Antonio, and Isaiah; and three great-grandchildren named Eli, Aiden and Lorenzo. Her brother Gary survives her.
Joyce earned a Masters in Nursing, and worked in the field of oncology, providing healing and respite care to countless patients. She was active in her church, teaching Sunday school and remaining active in church business. She is well remembered and cherished by her friends there. She regularly took mission trips to Ecuador and Chili with the Women’s Mission Union, providing shoes, toothbrushes, and other scarce personal items to orphans and others in need.
She was an ambitious cook, noted for her Clarissa plum jam and her thirty-four-ingredient curry recipe.
Her final residence was Tonganoxie, Kansas, down the road from Brenda.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s name to Operation Wildlife and may be sent in care of Warren-McElwain Mortuary, 120 W. 13th Street, Lawrence, KS 66044. You may also contribute directly at https://owl-online.org/donate/.
I’m so very sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss Brenda. Mom’s have a special place in our hearts. Your family are in my prayers.
I love you Aunt Joyce ❤️❤️
So many cherished memories
Of all the time I spent with you
In India, Florida ,West Virginia and Ohio
The endless hours on the phone with you????
I’ll hold you in my heart forever
So sorry Brenda and Sherri
A mother is the hardest to lose
Love and hugs to all????
Susan
Brenda & Sherri, I’m so very sorry for your loss. I remember Aunt Joyce as being fun to be around and we shared a love of animals! I hope it brings comfort in knowing she is home with the Lord now. You all are in my prayers.
Hugs,
Carol & Bill
Joyce showed my family and I who Jesus is by loving on people. I will never forget what she told me. I was sharing that I had fear and anxiety after a great lost. She told me I will NEVER go hungry. I am a refugee from Laos. This meant the world to me. We had a great time driving to Carmel for a women’s retreat together. This women drives faster than me!
I am so sorry Sherri and Brenda for your loss. I hope and pray for the whole family, especially the grandchildren for peace and fond memories of our beloved Joyce.
Joyce lead many, loved so much, and a very faithful servant for the kingdom of God. She lead by her example. Well done! Well done. Well done. I am so blessed to have known her. We love you Joyce.
Latsamy Cesar & Family
Joyce was such a blessing to our family! When Dave and I first met her with her daughter Sherri and grand daughter Jeanne, I knew I had to make every effort to keep in contact with her. Every visit to her and her visit to our home was a joy! I could talk with her for hours. So many lovely memories with Grandma Joyce. I know that Eli loved her dearly as well. He is so sad. I can’t wait to see her again and let her show me around paradise. I know she must be so happy living in the presence of Jesus.
My condolences to Gary, Sherri, Brenda and your families. Joyce lived here life and her faith with authenticity and passion. She impacted so many lives. Rest easy Joyce
I’m glad her cooking was mentioned, she was always trying new things! At Christmas she would distribute her goodies to ALL the neighbors, even if she barely knew them. I also fondly remember her neighborhood ladies’ tea party that she would host in the fall. She is missed!
My mother, Alice Gifford Moore, a childhood friend, sends her deepest condolences to Joyce’s family. Although time and distance separated , Joyce, Alice, Mary Jo, Gene, and the Wallace, WV “gang”, I do know they enjoyed visiting during highschool reunions as well as phone calls and letters throughout the years.
Joyce will be missed.
God Bless
Sheri and Brenda
Thanks for sharing your Mom with John and her Joshua class.
Her blessings to our family included her Kitty Boudica
Her huge Tuxido cat who I’d like to think is keeping her company
The time she and I spent together is dear to my heart.
Shared time at Happy Feet International in Ecuador is price less
Thanks again for your friendships as well.
Love and prayers to all her family.
Praying Gods Blessings
On you both and your family’s
In Jesus Name.
Amen
Thats all
Brenda,
What a lovely lady. I remember meeting her when she was visiting you at OWL. She had on a bright colorful
sweater and I remember commenting on how much you two resembled one another. I feel your choice of returning her to West Virginia is wonderful.
With sincere sympathy – Roseanne
Sherri and Brenda, My heart goes out to both of you in the loss of your mom. Your mom and I were friends for a long time! I first met all of you in 1979, when Bill was stationed in New Delhi and I was in the Foreign Service. Joyce and I worked together in the US Embassy Medical Unit; I can’t count the number of times she saved my butt when I was on call! I always felt that I was a member of your family and it was wonderful watching you girls grow up! Joyce and I remained good friends and kept in touch over all these years and I have many fond memories of visits and spending some holidays at your place and enjoying Joyce’s great cooking! I will truly miss a wonderful friend.