Joyce Marilyn Mason

Joyce Marilyn Mason, 97 passed away peacefully on November 26, 2023 in San Antonio, Texas. She was a long time resident of Pomona, California and later Greenville, South Carolina, moving to San Antonio the last 5 years of life to be near family.

Joyce was born in Hinsdale, Illinois and was adopted by William Wallace Whelpley and Marion Elizabeth Senft Whelpley on February 25, 1926, a date she kept as her birthday even though she was born two weeks earlier. She graduated from the Wellsville Senior High School in Wellsville, New York and shortly afterward married Donald Eugene Mason on December 30, 1944 in Buffalo, New York.

In addition to being a homemaker and raising four children, she worked for several years as a secretary to the pastors of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. She had a passion for collecting dolls which led to creating and proudly displaying her own dolls. Other hobbies included sewing, bread-baking, reading, and playing table games. She was also an avid collector of salt and pepper shakers.

Joyce is survived by son, Donald E. Mason, Jr. (Traci), daughter, Pamela S. Kelly (Martin), son B. Dale Mason (Jeanne), daughter, Patrisha A. Mason; one sister, Judy E. Hickman (Edward) and two half-sisters, Lorraine Halderson and Patricia Bailey (Richard); four grandchildren, Michael E. Fletcher (Dirie), Elizabeth M. Mason (Brian), Mark E. Fletcher (Lyn) and Melissa S. Fletcher; seven great-grandchildren, Mason, Lily, Allie, Kaley, Evan, Genevieve and Alexander. She is preceded in death by her parents, husband, Donald, and several brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will be held to celebrate Joyce’s life on February 24, 2024. Details will be released at a later date.

If desired, memorials may be sent in her honor to Quiet Hour Ministries, PO Box 3000, Redlands, CA 92372-1500 (qhministries.org).

The family wishes to sincerely thank everyone for their support and love during this difficult time.