Fukiko Joyce Wetmore

“Joyce”, as she was referred to by her friends, was born in Japan and was the oldest of four girls. Her mother and father were involved in the entertainment business, and little Fukiko was a tiny little dancer performing on big stages. When World War II began, her family moved back to her birthplace in Yufuin, Japan. As the oldest, she was responsible for most of the duties around the farm that were typically handled by the male children at the time. Such duties as caring for the livestock, tending gardens, and providing for the family. As she got older, she worked on the US Army base in the mess hall where she met her then future husband, Arthur Wetmore. Joyce and Arthur were married in 1956, welcoming the first of five children, Russel. In 1957 they returned to the United States temporarily settling in Rochester, New York, until their move to Florida in 1967. Joyce joined Helen Altavilla’s Dancing with the Stars as a dancer and then as an instructor where she got all five of her kids involved one way or another. Her husband would also join the studio as a photographer. After the dance studio, she taught weekly women’s dance and exercise classes for a few years. Joyce would go on to find her calling in bowling. First in the local scene, then at the regional and state levels. For many years she dedicated her life to the bowling community, making lots of friends, and living to serve the children of the Florida State Young American Bowling Alliance. With her wealth of knowledge for the rules of bowling, she became the local association president and later served as the state association president. During her time in the bowling community, she traveled all over the state of Florida, running youth bowling tournaments while also keeping up with her own personal standing as an adult bowler. In 1997, she was awarded a lifetime achievement award for her volunteer work with youth bowling.

Joyce is predeceased by her husband Arthur Wetmore (1999), son Matthew Wetmore (2007), and sister Tomoe Hama of Japan. She is survived by her sons Russel Wetmore of Atlanta, Georgia, and David Wetmore of Columbus, Ohio. Her daughters Bonnie Barlowe of Crawfordville, Florida, and Naomi Harris of Tallahassee, Florida. Grandchildren Melissa Unger, Colin Wulfekuhl, Garrett Wulfekuhl, Michael Wetmore, Jordan Harris, Keira Gestl, Kayla Wetmore, Korrie Wetmore, Noah Harris and Shaina Harris. Her great-grandchildren Tatiana, Adam, Tristen, Sophia, Adrianna, Adalynn, Brice, Kayden, Kinsley, Lyrix.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to United Bowling Congress, YES Fund (Youth Education Services), 621 Six Flags Drive, Arlington, TX 76011.

At this time, a graveside service at the Volusia Memorial Gardens in Ormond Beach, Florida is scheduled for Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 2:00pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CulleysMeadowWood.com for the Wetmore family.