Probably my first vivid memory of Joyce was when I was around 4 or 5 years old. The Landers Family lived right across the street from my family on Myrtlewood. Joyce was standing in my front yard talking to my Mom. They were BFFs along with Beverly Oren who lived next door to the Landers. Anyway, I interrupted Joyce’s conversation with my Mom by asking, “Joyce, why are you so fat?” Joyce started laughing but my Mom (Mary Ann), got so mad at me! I couldn’t understand why because Joyce had this huge belly! I can’t figure out if she was pregnant with Sheila or Dougie, maybe I can straighten that out this evening at the visitation. Anyway, Joyce had the best laugh and always had a smile on her face! Mom and Joyce were thick as thieves and truly loved each other. Back then we didn’t lock our doors and the windows were always open in the summer because we had no air conditioning! All the neighborhood kids stayed outside playing until dark because we didn’t have TVs when I was really little but we kept ourselves entertained. When I was going into the 4th grade my family moved but we never lost touch with Joyce! She was a life-long friend!
I haven’t looked at the other memories left on this board but I’m sure I’m not the only friend or family member who was on Joyce’s mailing list! I don’t think I can remember a birthday or Christmas when I didn’t get a letter from Joyce! She should have been a writer! She was so good with remembering the smallest details and her letters were so descriptive and entertaining! I have kept all of my letters from ‘Joyce’s Journals’ and will treasure them always. I think the best attribute to have, and Joyce had it in spades, was her big heart! I loved her so much and regret that I didn’t get to see her more often!
I am sure that she is having a wonderful reunion with David and Mom and my sweet Ashley and all of the other dear friends and relatives who went before her. I will always love you dear Joyce, until we see each other again, Love, Vicky Britain Mizell and Warner Mizell.
