24, 2023, after a courageous battle with cancer. Joyce was adored and loved deeply by
her husband, Ron, of almost 63 years, as well by her sons Tim and Todd, their wives
Irene and Dara, her grandchildren Carly, Kate, and Wesley, and a lengthy list of
wonderful friends.
Joyce was born March 13, 1938, in Burbank, California, to Lucille (Harrell) and William
Burroughs. She had an older brother, Bill, who along with her parents, predeceased her.
As a child she enjoyed playing with the neighbor kids, making dresses for her dolls,
swimming in the pool at the nearby park, singing in the church choir, spending time with
her grandparents, Ward and Etta (Harrell), along with her Aunt Elaine (Harrell); and
taking the mile walk to the local library where she would immerse herself in adventure
and mystery books. She continued to be an avid reader throughout her life.
Joyce attended Theodore Roosevelt Elementary, Luther Burbank Junior High, and Van
Nuys High School. In high school, she was a member of the GAA, Girls Athletic
Association, which meant you could find her playing basketball and volleyball. It's no
surprise that, during those years, she also enjoyed spending time at the beach.
After high school, Joyce attended Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, which was
her favorite aunt’s alma mater. Missouri was in her blood as it was the home state for
both her parents and grandparents, a place she made trips to as a child. While at
Stephens, she was a member of a sorority as well as a swimming club called “The
Swans”. After college, Joyce returned to California to begin her working years, which
included running a children’s clothing store, founded by Joyce and her mother. Joyce
met the love of her life, Ron, at a backyard party and were married February 13, 1960 in
North Hollywood. The boys followed several years later and, by 1971, they decided to
move to Rancho Bernardo where she worked a manager of catering and banquets at the
Rancho Bernardo Inn, as well as holding various positions at The Bernardo News. Joyce
finished her working years as a legal secretary for eight years and, along the way, she
also volunteered many hours to organizations like the PTA where her boys went to
school, her church, the Rotary Internation MusiCamp and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
In 2014, Ron and Joyce moved to Scripps Ranch where they have lived ever since. Joyce
enjoyed gardening, playing Mahjong with her girlfriends, traveling, and spending time
with her grandchildren. Joyce will be remembered for so many wonderful qualities, and
each person you ask will surely add to that long list, but as her sons will tell you, “She
deserved the title of World’s Greatest Mom.” A few months prior to her passing, Joyce
told us that “having a close, loving family was, and is, all I have ever wanted, and I feel
truly blessed”.
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