Joyce Eileen Provence

July 10, 1943 – June 27, 2025

Affectionately known as “Gams”, Joyce Eileen Provence was born in San Diego, CA on

July 10, 1943. She was a loving wife to Ross for 58 years, an amazing mother of three,

and a proud grandmother of nine. She was kind and generous and always had a smile.

Joyce graduated Grossmont High School and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in

Education from San Diego State University where she was a proud member of the

Gamma Sigma Chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. After college, she taught

kindergarten through first grade at Lemon Grove Elementary.

She and Ross were married on June 24, 1967. They began a family, and settled in

Alpine, CA on Labor Day of 1975. When she discovered there was no preschool in the

area, Joyce took it upon herself to start the first of its kind-an accomplishment she was

very proud of. She went on to raise her three children whom she dedicated her life to

with her commitment, care, and love. In her later years, she worked with special needs

children in the community, treating each one as if they were her own.

Joyce is survived by her devoted husband of 58 years, Ross Provence, and grateful

children: Kim (Brad) DeHaven, Jeff (Alicia) Provence, and Tiffany (Tom) O’Reilly.

Always their biggest supporter and cheerleader, Gams loved attending all of her

grandchildren’s sporting events, school programs, musicals, and countless special

occasions. Her nine grandchildren-Blake (Sarah) DeHaven, Tori O’Reilly, Bailey (Robert)

Armistead, Tim O’Reilly, Jenessa Provence, Brady (Hannah) DeHaven, Daniel

Provence, Devin Provence, and Taryn O’Reilly will always treasure fond memories and

fun times with Gams.

Great-granddaughter, Finley DeHaven, is due in August.

“I loved you then, I love you still. I always have, I always will.” -as inscribed on a

necklace from Ross to Joyce just over a year ago.

She will be dearly missed and remembered always, with love.