Joyce Garner

On the morning of July 6, 2018, with her beloved husband of 25 years by her side, Joyce passed peacefully into her eternal life. She regretted having so much more to do. She was 51 years of age.

Born at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. on June 20, 1967, Joyce spent some of her early childhood years in North Carolina but lived the remainder of her life in Maryland. The eldest of five children, she lovingly cared for her siblings and, from a young age, she always made sure that family was the center of her life. She endeavored to make growing up fun for her siblings and always looked for ways to make even small things feel special. When she met Will Garner, she found the love of a lifetime in the man who would bring her the most significant happiness. They married on February 27, 1993 and moved to Thurmont, MD. Soon after, Joyce and Will had two adoring daughters, Rebecca and Taylor. She passed along to them a zest for life that was palpable to everyone who knew her.

Joyce’s passion was contagious. As anyone who knew Joyce was aware, one of her most notable delights was surf fishing. She, Will, and the girls spent many nights on the beaches of Assateague and the Outer Banks, where she truly felt at home. The ocean was her happy place. She could spend the day doing what she loved, surrounded by her family, looking out into the openness of water and horizon. She loved to teach others how to find the perfect place to cast a line. Joyce tirelessly worked in her garden and a visit to her home would often mean leaving with clippings of one’s own to plant. Mostly, Joyce treasured time spend with family and friends. Her home was the epicenter of family gatherings, summer barbeques, and holiday meals for many. Joyce loved animals and was known to help local strays.

Joyce enjoyed remaining active and had always took pride in a job well done. During her high school years, Joyce was employed at the Lamp & Shade store in Wheaton Plaza and was so dedicated that she became a manager while still in school. After graduation in 1985 from Albert Einstein High School in Wheaton, Joyce continued to advance through her career, earning key management positions which eventually culminated in her favorite placement of all at the Frederick County Health Department. She devoted herself to the care and service of others. Joyce loved her vocation and she loved the people with whom she worked.

In her waning days, Joyce wanted to comfort everyone around her. Always selfless, never harsh, and with an effervescence that lit up a room, Joyce made sure she communicated her love to everyone she could while she still had time. Her last week was spent in her favorite place, where she caught the biggest fish of the day and soaked in the sun and salty air. Survived by her husband, William Garner; daughters, Rebecca and Taylor; mother, Marie (Don) Lyons; sisters, Rose (Shawn) Sweeney, Beverly (Dave) Mathews, Carolyn (Jeff) Floyd; brother, Bill Roberts; stepfather, Don Lyons; future son-in-law, Jim Barborek; future granddaughter, Ella Barborek; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles, Joyce has passed on to Her Father’s kingdom where she has been reunited with other dearly departed and is eternally free of suffering and pain.

Visitation will be held at the Stauffer Funeral Home in Frederick, Maryland on Friday, July 13, 2018 (5:00pm-9:00pm), 1621 Opossumtown Pike, Frederick, MD 21702.

Joyce’s Mass will be held at her parish of many years, St. Anthony Shrine in Emmitsburg, Maryland on Saturday, July 14, 2018 (10:00am) followed with her interment and reception. 16150 St Anthony Road,
Emmitsburg, MD 21727.

We ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made in Joyce's names to one of her favorite charities, "Tip Me Frederick." http://www.tipmefrederick.com.