Joyce Marie Bartlett

Joyce Marie Harris Bartlett of Sanford, Florida left this world for her heavenly home on June 23, 2026 at the age of 96. She was born on September 30,1929 in Pixley, California, the oldest of nine siblings; her family later moved to Corcoran where she grew up.

While she attended [and graduated from] high school in Yuba City, California, she worked at a jewelry store not far from the department store owned by the aunt and uncle of the dashing Vern Bartlett, who she was soon to marry. Three daughters [Jan, Jill and Jayne] joined the family, followed by a much-welcomed son, Jerry. Their lives were changed forever when two men carrying Bibles came knocking at their door and offered to have a Bible study with them. It wasn’t long before they understood and believed the Good News of God’s free offer of salvation through faith in Christ. A short year later [in 1954] they sold their home and headed for missionary training, with a desire and commitment to take the Good News to ethnic tribal groups who had never had an opportunity to hear it.

Joyce and Vern served with New Tribes Mission [now Ethnos 360] in Brazil for 12 years, and then at New Tribes’ Bible and missionary training institutes in the US and England for another nearly-30 years. Vern was a beloved and respected Bible teacher; Joyce was an amazing, multi-talented and gifted partner. Besides raising four children, she was always actively serving: teaching English and Portuguese at the missionary children’s school; working with staff and students and manning the front desk at the training institutes; writing myriads of [always interesting] newsy letters, and relating to all the students/alumni from around the globe with friendship and grace.

She was a patient, tireless traveler, and though she wouldn’t have considered herself a talented chef, she served countless well-balanced, delicious meals to friends, family and colleagues for five decades. She made every place she and Vern lived cozy and classy; she celebrated Christmas with great style, and doted on her grandchildren—and great grandchildren. “Her children [and their children and their children] rise up and call her blessed;” and she will be honored and missed by us all.

She was preceded in death by her husband Vern; her siblings Celia, Peggy, Lyn, Dixie Diane and Fred; her son-in-law Larry; and her grandchildren Darren Friedl and Manuela Robinson.

Joyce is survived by her siblings June, Shirley and Eddie; her children Jan [Ray] Friedl, Jill Goring [Jerry Sayles], Jayne [Jason] Robinson and Jerry; eight grandchildren, nineteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. She will be buried next to her beloved husband Vern at the Oaklawn Cemetery on HE Thomas Rd. in Sanford, Florida.

1 Some day the silver cord will break, And I no more as now shall sing; But oh, the joy when I shall wake Within the palace of the King!

2 Some day my earthly house will fall, I cannot tell how soon ’twill be; But this I know– my All in All Has now a place in heav’n for me.

3 Some day, when fades the golden sun Beneath the rosy-tinted west, My blessed Lord will say, “Well done!” And I shall enter into rest.

Chorus: And I shall see Him face to face, And tell the story– Saved by grace; And I shall see Him face to face, And tell the story– Saved by grace.