To the Mayberry Family- I was one of Joyce's physical therapist's in rehab and was so sad to hear of her passing. She often shared stories of her family, and it was obvious that she was very proud of her children and grandchildren. I really enjoyed getting to know her, and spending time with her. It is hard walking past her room, and thinking that she is no longer with us. I know she  had a strong faith and that brought her great comfort. We will miss her. Lynne Zimmermann

Gordon,

I was very sad to read about Joyce's passing.  May God bless you and your family.

John Smart

Joyce always had a smile on her face and an encouraging word to share...what a delight she was..the picture you chose is so beautiful. We will remember her as such a lovely woman and now with her beloved Lord. David and Arlene Rohweder

Gordon, I send my wishes for your comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Sincerely, Paula Kulwicki

Mike, Mark and Melanie: You probably don't remember me, but I remember your Mom well -- she and my Mom were friends when we all swam at Loretto Heights swimming pool in the '60's.  Your Mom was great -- very gentle, very loving, a great mom (like my own).  She and my Mom arranged for all of us to go to movies together -- I think we saw "Thomasina" a Walt Disney movie, together.  A long time ago.  Anyway, your Mom was great and I'm sure you really miss her.  Best regards from myself, and my brothers, Sean and Tom Kelly.

Nora Kelly

As her grandson, the best way I can describe Mama Joyce is as a woman after God's heart.  There is so much more to her, too much to describe here, but when it comes down to it, she lived her life to serve God, share his love, and spread his saving Grace.  

She saved me, literally.  I cannot remember if I was 6, or 8, or 10 at the time, but she led me to accept Jesus as my savior in the backseat of Grandpa Gordon's car while we were out running errands one summer.  You see, every year our family would drive to Denver to visit Grandpa Gordon and Mama Joyce, our cousins Amy and John, and our aunts and uncles Mark, Melanie, and Greg.  We would go either right after Christmas, in the summer, or sometimes even both.  I loved those trips, as I loved spending time with my grandparents, my cousins, and my aunts and uncles.  However, this trip was different, life-changing different.  

My family and I went to church every Sunday and my parents prayed and read the Bible with me.  I knew I loved God, but until that day in the car with Mama Joyce, a seemingly average day, I had not yet reached that point in my life where I could fully grasp the concept of God's Grace, Jesus's sacrifice, and how by simply accepting Jesus as my Savior, I could be saved and guaranteed eternal life in Heaven.  I can still picture it, sitting in the back seat of Grandpa's car, with Mama Joyce turned fully around in the front seat, pushing against the cloth seat as she explained everything to me.  I had heard it all before, many times, but God had a plan on this day.  On this day, when Mama Joyce explained to me how God so loved the world that he gave his only son, and whosoever believeth in him shall not perish but have everlasting life, something clicked inside me.  Mama Joyce followed up, asking if I would like to accept Jesus as my Savior.  And I did, I wanted to accept Jesus as my Savior. Something inside me changed that day.  God has been in my heart every day since. 

Thanks to Mama Joyce, I live every day with the confidence that comes with knowing I am saved and knowing that God has a plan for my life.  

He also had a plan for Mama Joyce's life.  Having always lived hundreds of miles away, there are a lot of pieces of her life that I am missing, but I know that she was definitely a woman after God's heart who touched and changed many lives, not just mine.  While I am still mourning her passing, reeling from the finality of it, and will miss her more than words can express, I know that she is now home in Heaven, and that brings me peace.  

Grandpa, Dad, Mom, Jen, Mark, Melanie, Greg, Amy, and John - I love all of you so much and I will be praying for each of you during this difficult time.  I pray that we can all celebrate Mama Joyce's life, the joy she brought to us, and never forget that all of this is part of God's plan.

Love,

Kenneth Mayberry

Gordon,

Words can't describe the loss that I feel!  Both you and Joyce have always been a very special part of our lives and like members of our family, and always will be!  When I received Melanie's message I had to listen to it several times because I just couldn't believe what I was hearing.  Duane and I had just been up to Lakewood to visit with Joyce the week before and she seemed in good spirits and was able to get around quite well with the use of her walker.  We discussed getting together once she got out of there.  Joyce was like a sister, an aunt, and like a mother to me.  I will never forget and always appreciate the time she spent with my mother when she too was in the hospital with very similar health issues.  I will miss her dearly!  She will always have a very special place in my heart!  Please let us know if there is anything at all we can do for you!  Please don't hesitate to call on us!  

Our love, thoughts, and prayers go out to you, Mike, Mark, Melanie, and all your grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and your extended family!

OBITUARY

Joyce Amen Mayberry

May 2, 1931 – March 9, 2012

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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