Thursday, November 16, 2023
Joyce was my first Sunday School teacher in the ‘50s (after Mrs. Bonsall’s nursery) and yes, I do remember her flannelgraph stories, Jesus walking on water, Loaves & Fishes, Daniel in the lion’s den! As we sat around the curved table with (teenage) Joyce in the center (who looked very tall to us), she was very sweet and patient with us little gigglers.
By the time we were teenagers (still giggly), Ralph and Joyce were married. She was always behind the scenes supporting Ralph as he directed the youth group. What fun we had together with the many trips, dinners, skits, choir, hymn-sings. (In my lifetime, no other voice could match Ralph’s singing How Great Thou Art).
He was always there for us, planned and drove us to every event in the VW bus, always inspiring us with his teaching and kindness, leading us in prayer or in song and always delivering us safely to our door at the end of the day. Although I lived just two blocks from the church, I always begged to go on the ride to take everyone home. Ralph never said no. I think he knew how I hungered for the companionship of my peers. But in his heart, no doubt, he just wanted to hurry home for Joyce’s welcoming embrace.
Throughout those days of youth, Joyce supported Ralph, graciously sacrificing her time with him as part of their ministry together. They were incredible role models. They gave each of us in the youth group a sense of belonging and caring, and an understanding of God’s love and His place in our lives.
Ralph and family, I pray that your hearts will be comforted as you gather with loved ones in sorrow and in joy to say goodbye to an amazing woman and celebrate her life well lived. Until we all meet again where all our tears will be wiped away, God bless.
