Grandma, There isn't a day that goes by where I don't miss you. you were taken from me and Stella and James too soon and I wish that I could go back to be with you one last time. You were the best grandma anyone could ask for, a kind person who was willing to drop everything in her life to help others. I'm thirteen now and I'm in Seventh grade, I haven't seen Stella or James in a while but I hope you'll watch over them for me. You didn't get to meet Allie... which makes me upset you were taken too soon. We will remember you in any way we can I love you forever and always.

Joyce...... My Forever "Good Morning" Friend."  Joyce was an incredible woman with so much love, strength, and determination in all facets of her life. Her husband Don, her daughters Ashley, Erin, Suzie, Rachel, and her grandchildren Sammy, James and Stella meant the world to her!  There was always a sparkle in her eye as she shared special moments, big or small, about her family.  She was always by their side every step of the way!

Joyce was our beloved Kindergarten teacher for about 25 years.  She has touched and blessed the lives of hundreds of children who will always remember her kind, loving and gentle ways.  She always brought excitement and enthusiasm to her classroom and made magic happen each and every day with the children.  A favorite activity her students will ALWAYS remember is going on the hunt for the Gingerbread Boy!  She was just as excited to do this and the children were.

She was truly invested in each child she taught and always had the "whatever it takes" attitude to guide the children through their learning and growth.  She beamed with excitement and shared it when she knew the class, or even one child was able to make a leap forward in their learning.  Her guidance and calmness always allowed for an incredible learning experience.  Joyce was always a very strong pillar for the parents as well.  She was able to share freely and with excitement and confidence so many things about their children. 
Joyce will remain FOREVER in the hearts of each and every life she's touched!  Joyce..... my Forever Good Morning Friend!

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So here are the Spider plants that we nurture.Our son Harvey grew them in Kindergarten with Mrs. Stevens.Harvey is Eight now- I bet there are scores of homes with new baby spider plants- whos parent plant came from Kindergarten with Joyce...

I had the distinct pleasure of working with Joyce for many years.  She was always very committed and supportive towards the children.  I so  appreciated her honesty, diplomacy, being open to new ideas and sincere caring for the mutual children we worked with.  The world is a little dimmer with her absence. She will be sorely missed my many- including me.

IN THINKING ABOUT JOYCE
I have been thinking back through all the years we worked together, shared friendship, and were part of the Beacon family.   The relationship we all shared with Joyce was so much more than just being colleagues.
We were a team through thick and through thin, part of a family that focused on children and their happiness and success.  Joyce brought great kindness, understanding, support, and loyalty that blossomed into a trusted friendship. I realized early on that I could always trust Joyce and rely on her professional judgement.  I frequently asked Joyce for input.  
The first time I met Joyce was at her initial job interview.  I really liked her immediately.  She genuinely valued and cared about children and shared our philosophy.  I brought Joyce out to the playground to watch the children.  Her eyes sparkled as she watched the children play.  I knew she would be one of those very rare and special teachers:  and she was, indeed, a teacher of a lifetime, that we rarely see.
Joyce would ask for additional techniques.  She was a quick study:  she incorporated everything, making the special techniques and tips part of her day to day teaching.  She created a number of units that took a great deal of extra effort:  the children loved these.  They have, in fact become traditions in our Kindergarten. The Gingerbread Man, making stone soup, wearing socks in the wet lands then planting the socks, and getting bowls of wetland water and watching it over a week to see all the pond life.  Joyce brought real life experiences into the classroom.  She made games and tricks for learning and remembering skills.  The children loved Joyce, they loved learning, and were motivated by Joyce's support, positive attitudes, and warmth.
Joyce epitomized all that an excellent traditional teacher offers.  She was a superb educator.  She loved the children, always went above and beyond what was expected, was willing to spend as much time as needed with parents, and work out the problems one sees in Kindergarten.  
But Joyce was so much more.  She was loyal to a fault, always willing to be flexible and pitch in when necessary.  She mentored new teachers and supervised their initial professional year for a license.  Joyce NEVER complained: she always stayed positive and helpful no matter what.  On rare occasions, Joyce would speak to me about a problem that did not really concern her but did create a concern for the school.  She was always diplomatic and kind in her comments, but I knew that when she was concerned it was a serious matter.  I have always appreciated her candor and support.   Joyce ALWAYS worked well with others and gave 100%%2C to ensure that working relationships and outcomes for our children were good. 
Joyce was always a very supportive friend as well.  She was there to help me and encourage me through difficult life experiences like my husband's death.  She made such a difference in her gentle, kind, and quiet way:  she was always there.  
Parents were always excited to send their children to Mrs. Stephens for Kindergarten.  Some of them have made a family tradition of some of her units.  For example, the Gingerbread Man experience became an annual activity:  making gingerbread men at home to share with others.  She is greatly respected and loved by all of our families and the children.  
Joyce was very creative:  she was nominated for a Creativity Program at Disneyland with all expenses paid.  She has so many accomplishments.  She has made so many contributions to the children, parents, faculty and school it is difficult to recount.
When all is said and done, Joyce was an unbelievably extraodinary human being.  She was so much more than an incredible teacher:  she was above all else, a wonderful wife and mother, active in her church and community, quietly making a difference with everything she did and touched. 
I valued her friendship, support, integrity and loyalty.  She was, indeed, one of those very rare teachers that make all the difference in children's lives.  Teachers like this are very hard to find:  they are treasures.   However, her friendship and support have meant so much more and have added immeasurably to the happiness of our community.  Joyce is irreplaceable:  she holds a very special place in our hearts and will always be part of our Beacon family.  She will always be my beloved friend.

We were fortunate to have Joyce touch our lives through school, college and weddings.  You will be remembered and missed.
Debbie

Joyce was a very lovely lady and always with a smile.  She was quiet, but very thoughtful, very friendly, and very caring  to all.  She always had a hug for me and I loved it.

YES! Joyce, I will miss you!
My Love
Margaret Patton

DEAR Joyce, " Mrs Stephens," Thank you for being such a loving and meaningful teacher to our daughter, Clare Rudman. We will love and remember you fondly, always. Love, Ron, Martha and Clare Rudman

Joyce was a wonderful person. She was also an amazing teacher. 
My daughter is very fortunate to have had her as her kg teacher and I know that Isa will remember Joyce forever. Isa often talks about The Gingerbread man, the cooking around the holidays, the mammal report, the wonderful art projects, the amazing plays and all the life lessons that Joyce taught her students with so much kindness. I could go on and on.
 It was always so nice to talk to Joyce. She was always so positive, so wise and so loved by all of us.
Joyce, you will forever be in our hearts.
Lynda and Isa

Thank you Joyce for the Blessings and Joy you brought into our lives, you will be greatly missed. We Love you.
Sue and Ed Brandt 
Castle Rock, Co

Joyce is deeply loved by family, friends and her church family as well.  She was devoted to children and she and Don raised four wonderful daughters.  I will miss her bright smile and warm hugs.  She will live forever in the hearts of those who love her !

Jan Williams

It was an honor to have worked with Joyce for almost 20 years.  She was a mentor and a guide.  Her  kindness, compassion, and integrity live on in the hearts and memories of those of us, adults and children alike, who had the opportunity of knowing her.  Thank you, Joyce Stephens, for all you were for so many people.

Joyce was a lovely person inside and out.  She cared deeply for family and friends, held firm to the power of prayer and loved the Lord with all her heart and soul.  She was a great mentor and role model for so many at our church and beyond!!

Joyce was such a wonderful person who touched the lives of so many people. From her family, students, work colleagues, and friends, she will be greatly missed. She will also always be appreciated for how she made our lives richer. We are all very lucky to have had her in our lives!
Catherine Roche

OBITUARY

Joyce Kathryn Stephens

2 July, 1950 – 1 July, 2016

Olinger Funeral, Cremation & Cemetery - Chapel Hill

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