Joyce Eileen Staples Carroll

Joyce Carroll, 81 – Completing the story of a life dedicated to family and friends, Joyce Carroll passed away on Sunday morning after suffering a massive stroke while recovering from elective surgery.

Joyce was born in Portland, Oregon, to “Mother,” Zella Campbell Staples, and “Daddy”, Richard Staples. She spent most of her life in Portland, with a brief childhood stint in Salem. She was a graduate of Grant High School where she met her one and only, Terry Carroll. Joyce and Terry raised their two sons, Dick and Steve, in Northeast Portland. Joyce was a loving and supportive stay-at-home mom. Life at the Carroll’s mirrored traditional family life of the 50’s. Dad went to work; mom got the kids to school, fed, and to activities. The Carrolls were not financially well off, but Joyce made life joyous and comfortable, smoothing out the difficult times with love and affection.

Joyce’s boys grew up, left home and got married. In 1978, Terry passed away after a long struggle with heart disease. After Terry died, Joyce worked for a time for Albertina Kerr Centers, running their charity bingo game. She was also a valued member of the trusted “tax family” of Dick and Debbie’s Tax Business.

Joyce never remarried. She lived in the same three-bedroom house for fifty-two years, caring for grandchildren, friends, and neighbors. All who knew her said she was a true friend. She would care for friends who were sick, dying, or in need of emotional support, and always kept their secrets; more than one spent their last days in her home.

The last many years were difficult for Joyce. Living alone at her senior age presented challenges. She was fiercely independent, doing her own shopping caring for her dog, Toby, and blanching at any mention that she might be getting older. Her upbringing and the era in which she grew up instilled in her great pride and a belief, that in spite of everything, good shall prevail.

Joyce was devoted to her family. She was energized by time spent with family, as her family was energized by her. One of her greatest joys was teaching her great-grandchildren the nuances of playing checkers and rejoicing with them in their triumphs. Interesting is the fact they most always won!

Joyce was truly a kind soul. Even in the hospital while recovering and in pain, she made the doctors and nurses smile with her humor and kindness. In turn, she was rewarded with theirs.

You are missed, Mom. We all love you.

Joyce is survived by her two sons and their extended families including four grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Donations in lieu of flowers: Albertina Kerr Centers http://www.albertinakerr.org/GetInvolved/WaystoDonate.aspx

For more information about Joyce and her life, please go to the following website: http://web.me.com/scproduce/Site_2/Joyce_Carroll.html