Laurel Joyce Churchill

Laurel “Joyce” Churchill, the proud matriarch of a truly eclectic clan, succumbed to pneumonia in the early morning hours of Tuesday July 2, 2024. Born into humble origins in Tulsa, Oklahoma to Ralph and Cora Coe April 30, 1929, Joyce’s life was a long and winding journey.

Moving to California shortly after graduating high school, she married Byron “Barney” Cross and raised two children as the quintessential mother. Always involved in her community, Joyce found joy in relationships with her friends and neighbors.

After the death of her first husband, Joyce found herself pursuing various vocations such as small-business owner, property manager, and painter. Her nature as a true caregiver led her to work as a masseuse, which she practiced well into her late eighties. She was an adventurous woman who loved traveling with family, friends, and especially her partner, Peter Rushbrook. Joyce always said that she was blessed with two perfect loves, and was tenderly cared for until the end of her days by Peter.

She is additionally survived by her children Martin and Debra Cross as well as four grandchildren, Travis Sharpe, Joel Sharpe, Brieanna Seefeldt, Rye Cross and their children Noah Sharpe, Anna and Mae Sharpe, Zack and Fiona Seefeldt, and Polly Makabe.

Love of family was indeed her life’s work. Joyce was a healer, entrepreneur, and world traveler. She was loving and generous, and will be forever in our hearts.

Until We Meet Again

We think about you always,

We talk about you still.

You have never been forgotten,

And you never will.

We hold you close within our hearts,

And there you will remain.

To walk and guide us through our lives,

Until we meet again.

A graveside for Laurel will be held Friday, July 26, 2024 from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at Los Gatos Memorial Park, 2255 Los Gatos-Almaden Road, San Jose..