Joyce Anne Wilson

Joyce Anne Wilson, November 20,1950 – February 3, 2025

A final tribute to an extraordinary woman.

Joyce was born November 20th, 1950, and was preceded in death by her parents Henry and Glenda Smidt, of Redding, California.

On February 3rd, 2025, Joyce returned to be with God, passing peacefully, surrounded by family at home in Rochester, Washington after a long-term battle, that she fought for 16 years.

Joyce was able to do this by having faith in God, knowing he was there for her and by living by one of her favorite bible scriptures. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 which states, “Pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus (NIV).

Joyce is survived by her husband, Harry Wilson, whom she met on June 18th, 1971, and married 6 ½ weeks later, for a 53 ½ year romance with all of the wonders, fears, conflicts, and embraces that came with it. Joyce is also survived by a loving daughter, Barbara Ann and her wonderful spouse, Paul Evers. They in turn blessed her with three loving granddaughters: Ashley Ann Noel and her spouse Richard Verd, Brittany Marie and her fiancée Kyle Hoxie, and Cory Jalean and her long-term boyfriend Tyler Wing. Joyce was also blessed with two special great grandchildren Kira and Brody. Joyce leaves her last surviving relative, Sharon Petersen.

In the early years of marriage, Joyce labored as a motel maid and eventually worked her way up to being a front desk clerk. Joyce put herself through college and earned an associate’s degree in general education, which eventually lead to being hired by a famous main frame computer firm in 1987 in San Jose, California, where she stayed for 10 years, moved to other tech-based companies that hired her as a senior systems planner. When downsizing occurred for all major tech companies in 2002, Joyce and Harry decided to move to Washington to be closer to family. Joyce was able to get a job working as a cashier at a local thrift store, where she stayed until she was diagnosed with cancer in 2009.

Joyce’s favorite things to do were doing her daily bible devotionals, seeing family on a daily basis, working on quilts, word puzzles, gardening, taking care of her fur babies and sharing adventures with her husband.

Joyce was an inspiration to all who meet her and would listen to the story of her life and how through faith was able to endure it in the difficult times.

The caregivers at the hospital (doctors and nurses) were amazed at how accepting she was with the results of all the test they had performed and the outcome of those tests. She was able to do this with grace, dignity, and peace. We were all blessed and made better by her being in out lives.

It is now our responsibility to honor her by remembering and trying to live up to her example.

Thank you, Joyce, for being a loving and forgiving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and above all a glorious friend.

With all the love we can give, your family.