Joyce Swallum Witham

Joyce Swallum Witham died peacefully in her home on May 5, 2023 after a long illness. Joyce Ann Pulver was born in Mount Pleasant, Iowa on June 16, 1934. She attended Iowa Wesleyan University where she met her husband Phil. She graduated in 1956. They married in 1958 and were together over 40 years until he died on January 9, 2006.

Joyce taught elementary school in various states in the Midwest until she and Phil moved to Macon in 1966. She taught first and second grade at Cynthia Weir Elementary School for 36 years until her retirement in 1996. She received her Masters in Education at Georgia College and State University. She and Phil enjoyed fixing up homes, raising standard poodles and being docents at The Hay House and tour guides during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Joyce was an active participant and officer in PEO, a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers’ Society, a member of Heart of Georgia Story League, and the Pi Beta Phi sorority. After Phil’s death, she married Bert Witham. For almost ten years they traveled extensively around the states and the world.

She joined Bert’s large family: four daughters and sons-in-law, ten grandchildren and eventually nineteen great grandchildren. Joyce was a warm and generous person with a great sense of humor. She loved books, ladybugs, and keeping up with her friends and family by means of cards and telephone calls. She will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11:00 AM Friday, June 16, 2023 at Snow's Funerals and Cremations at Macon Memorial Park Chapel. Burial will be private in Macon Memorial Park Cemetery. Dr. Lee Sheppard will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta --Scottish Rite Hospital, 1001 Johnson Ferry Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30342, or the charity of your choice.

Visit www.snowsmacon.com to express tributes.

Snow's Funerals and Cremations at Macon Memorial Park is in charge of arrangements.