Alma Elizabeth Joyce, daughter of the late Robert E. Joyce and Carrie Caroline Shouse Joyce, was born September 24, 1930. She departed her life early Thursday morning, September 15, 2022 at Brookdale Senior Living after the onset of dementia.

Alma was an early graduate of the Forsyth County Schools and received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Winston-Salem Teachers College. She continued her education obtaining a Master's Degree from Columbia University in New York City. Her professional life included membership in the NEA, NCAE, and the Local Teachers'Association as well as a membership with the Retired School Personnel Organization. She actively attended the monthly meetings until declining health. Her professional career included teaching at Carver Consolidated School and Cook Elementary and included working with the Gifted and Talented program.

She was also known for her baking skills and often baked cookies at Christmas, providing cakes for friends as well as supplying them for church events and family occasions.

A long-time member of Bethania A.M.E. Zion Church, she taught an adult Sunday School class, served as the church announcer, welcomed church family and new members to the church, was a class leader, and a member of the Christian Education Department. She concluded each Sunday morning's announcements with a provoking thought for the day. Additionally, she also worked with the Financial Committee of the church. She along with Ms. Alice Allen planned and organized the church anniversary each year.

She pledged and became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Lambda Chapter while she was a student at Winston-Salem Teachers College. Alma was distinguished in the local Phi Omega Chapter of the sorority as a "Pearl" with 65 years of service and was a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority, Inc.

She attended local meetings, regional conferences, the Boule(National Conference) and served faithfully on numerous committees until her health declined.

Alma participated in many activities including the CIAA with her friend, Alice Allen and their driving buddy, Deborah Jackson. She toured fall festivals to pick up Magnum

Bonum apples and shopped and traveled with Susie Nance.

She often communicated with family and friends using Google Duo, phone calls, birthday cards, and other correspondence. Among friends who often kept in touch with

Alma were: Mrs. Susie Nance, Mrs. Carolyn Parker and Miss Brenda Tucker.

Alma entered Brookdale Senior Living for support with the challenges of onset dementia. She participated in various activities that included line dancing, seasonal events, and a group trip to Mitchell's Nursey. One Christmas, while at Brookdale, she helped select poinsettias and assisted with the decorating of a Christmas tree.

She was preceded in death by both parents, her brother, James E. Joyce; nephew, Robert Edward Joyce; other deceased relatives: Anna S. Ervin, Margaret S. Scales, William T. Shouse, Grady Shouse, Esther Ambrose, Johnny Shouse, Henry Shouse, Dorothy K. Napper, Joseph Kimbrough, Jr., William E. Shouse, Virginia K. Allen, and other members of the Joyce family.

She leaves to mourn: her nieces, Marilyn Joyce and family, Yvette Butler Joyce and family; nephew, James Cedric Joyce and family all of Baltimore, MD; caregiver and

cousin, Natalie K. (Hershal) Summers; surviving first cousins, Hannah S. Eldridge and family, Mollie McLain and family, Evelyn E. Shouse and family, Phyllis K. (Tom) Baldwin and family and a host of supportive relatives and friends.

Anyone who knew Alma could count on her witty nature,her honesty and many talents she shared with others. She will be missed from our presence but not from our hearts.

Ms. Joyce may be publicly viewed, from 12:00 PM until 6:00 PM, Thursday, September 22, 2022 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Funeral Home. Funeral service, 11:00 AM, Friday, September 23, 2022 at Clark S. Brown & Sons Chapel. Family visitation thirty minutes prior to service. Interment Forsyth Memorial Park. *Masks required.

For a copy of funeral program click here