Joyce Ann Soukup

Ms. Joyce Soukup was raised in Paducah, Kentucky. She briefly attended nursing school in Louisville, Kentucky, where she met the love of her life, John W. Soukup. The two were married for 46 years. In 1972, they relocated to Tampa, Florida, after John received a work transfer with Eastern Airlines, where he worked as a mechanic. John also proudly served in the United States Air Force during World War II as a flight mechanic on bomber aircraft.

A shared passion for aviation became a meaningful part of their lives. John earned his pilot’s license, and Ms. Joyce attended flight school as well. She even completed a solo flight from Davis Island. Their love of flying extended to their backyard, where they kept their second plane. John often took it apart and rebuilt it, a pastime he maintained until his health began to decline.

Ms. Joyce dedicated 20 years of her career to Mann Middle School as the school bookkeeper. After retiring, she and her daughter Jackie purchased a preschool in Carrollwood. Ms. Joyce continued to work full-time at the preschool until she was nearly 80 years old, a testament to her dedication and strength.

Her hobbies reflected her resourceful and nurturing spirit. While living in Kentucky, she tended a large half-acre garden with her lifelong friend Virginia, canning most of the harvest to sustain her family through the cold winters. After moving to Florida, she continued gardening, growing tomatoes, okra, and yellow squash. A skilled seamstress, Ms. Joyce began making her own clothes in high school and carried that talent into adulthood, sewing her daughter’s wedding dress and four bridesmaid dresses. She also loved to cook and was always ready to bake a homemade apple or pumpkin pie upon request.

Above all, Ms. Joyce treasured her roles as a mother and grandmother. Her quiet strength, deep wisdom, and boundless love will be profoundly missed by all who knew her

She was preceded in death by her mother, Frances Stowe and husband, John W. Soukup.

Survivors include her loving daughter, Jackie Maczuga (Michael); siblings, Larry and Linda; and grandchildren, Lauren Maczuga (Robert McKay), Kimberly Maczuga (Megan Goodman) and Kayla Maczuga.

A Celebration of Life for Ms. Joyce will be held Monday, June 2, 2025 from 6 to 8 PM with a Prayer Service beginning at 7 PM at Blount & Curry, Terrace Oaks Chapel, 12690 N 56th St, Temple Terrace, FL 33617.