3, 2024.
Joyce was born on March 15, 1949, in Hornersville, Missouri, the youngest child of Raymond
and Mildred Duncan.
As a shy young girl, Joyce loved the attending church and all music and carried that love
throughout her life. She was also an outstanding student who thrived on learning all that she
could.
She was smitten with a handsome young fellow by the name of David LaRoe. They were
teenage sweethearts and remained steadfast in love for 55 years of marriage. During that
time, they were blessed with two children - David Jr. and Lori.
While being a full-time mom and raising her children, Joyce returned to her passion of learning
and worked hard to graduate Memphis State University with a degree of Bachelor of Science in
Education in 1989. In 2003, she received a degree of Doctor of Education. Following this
distinction, she began to share her knowledge as a professor at Union University.
Joyce was a long-time member of East Acres Church in Millington, TN. She loved on babies in
Mother’s Day Out and shared her joy and love of the Lord by teaching Sunday school and
vacation bible school. Joyce was happiest when at home, listening to music, walking amongst
her flowers and holding the hand of her doting husband. She was known for her faith in God’s
redeeming grace, and her unquestioning belief in Jesus Christ.
She is predeceased by her parents and her older brother, Donald, of Kennett, Missouri. Her
survivors include husband David; daughter Lori, her husband Eric; son David, and his wife
Heather. Other survivors are her five beloved grandchildren, Austin, Jacob and Griffin, Stefen,
and Brianna along with a number of well-loved cousins and friends.
A gathering of family and friends for Joyce will be held Sunday, July 7, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. A funeral service will occur Sunday, July 7, 2024 at 2:00 PM at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, TN 38133. Burial will follow in Memorial Gardens.
