Iola Joyce Fitzwater

She passed quietly on the evening of July 8, 2026 surrounded by her daughters. She was 92.

Joyce was born April 23, 1934 in Los Angeles California, to Kenneth Kelson and Iola Jenkins. A beloved sister, LuJean Letha McCoy, has proceeded her in death.

Joyce married William (Bill) Judson Fitzwater on June 29, 1958 in Anaheim California. Bill died in March of 2006. They would have celebrated 48 years of marriage that year.

Joyce was a fiercely devoted mother to four daughters. Vickie Jean, Karen Joyce, Tammie Jo and Cheryl Jill. Having grown up in an era of war, she was thrilled to have all girls. She didn’t want to worry about having a son go off to war. In her eyes, her daughters could do no wrong.

Joyce and Bill lived their entire married life in Southern California. After Bill’s passing, mom and Tammie moved out to San Jacinto California in 2017. They bought a house around the corner from Cheryl and her family. Vickie and Karen visited frequently. Mom was happiest when surrounded by ‘her girls’.

Joyce began working right out of high school where she was a secretary for Los Angeles County. She was in high demand for her expert skills with shorthand and typing. Much of her time was spent in the Hall of Administration downtown. She retired in 1991 as the personal executive secretary to the Treasurer Tax Collector of LA County. She served there for 38 years.

Mom developed memory loss in her later years. Even with her memory failing she laughed a lot and showed her quick wit. Most of our conversations were focused on family, those who had already passed. We are extremely grateful for Tammie’s 24/7 care of mom. The last few months saw an extreme decline. It has been a sacred privilege to be with mom and care for her. She raised us to be strong and caring.

Mom was raised in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In her adult life, due to working 40 hours a week and taking care of our home, she didn’t attend very often. However, she had a strong testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ and she made sure we went to church.

Mom is survived by:

Vickie Jean & David Wagstaff

Karen Joyce & Mario Luna

Tammie Jo Fitzwater

Cheryl Jill Parker (Russell Parker preceded her in death).

Grandchildren: Meagan-Brittney Joycelin Parker, Jacqualine-Marie Starr Parker, James Richard & Lauren Luna, Nicholas Ryan Luna and Trayne Cordell Parker.

Great-Granddaughter: Paisley Rose Luna.

Nephew: David Kenneth McCoy

Funeral Service will be 11 AM Friday, July 17, 2026, at McAulay & Wallace Mortuary, 902 N. Harbor Blvd., Fullerton, CA. Immediately following is burial at Loma Vista Memorial Park.