Joyce Ellen Dodsworth Ellis, age 63, of McDonough, GA passed away on Sunday, September 17, 2023. She was born in Lansdale, PA to the late John Taggart "Jack" and Jean Catherine Dodsworth. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her grandmother Lilly Crozier.
Ms. Ellis is survived by her husband John George Ellis; two children Michael John (Audrey) Ellis and Matthew Tyler (Kayla) Ellis; her brother John Dodsworth Jr.; two grandsons Rowan Harlan Ellis and Asher John Ellis; and several other beloved family members.
Joyce grew up in Pennsylvania where she graduated from Methacton High School in 1978 then went on to graduate from Gwynedd-Mercy College in 1983 with a Bachelor's degree in special education before graduating from Walden University with a Master's degree in Education. She taught special needs children for 30 years while also owning Serendipity Bookstore & Gifts in McDonough with her mom. Once she retired she became a travel agent, specializing in unique customized experiences to Europe and other showcase destinations. She loved traveling to faraway places and meeting new people. Her favorite place to visit was Grand Teton National Park, which she would frequent with her family.
The one thing Joyce loved more than traveling was her family. She was incredibly close to her brother and mom, whom she cared for in her final days and months. She adored her children and would talk about them to anyone who'd listen. She was so very proud and everyone who knew her, knew it. The greatest joys of her life were her grandsons who she loved babysitting and spending time with. Joyce enjoyed so much in her life, camping, observing wildlife, the arts such as the classics like Van Gogh and Monet, good food and drinks, family genealogy, and spending time with her friends. She knew everyone and everyone knew her.
Mrs. Joyce was also involved in a handful of community events and organizations such as the Hearts of Teal organization for ovarian cancer awareness, ushering at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, establishing Dodsworth Run Preserve in Montgomery County, PA in memory of her mother, and being a member of the Sierra Club, Yellowstone Forever, and the National Parks Foundation. Joyce was active, loving, adventurous, and will be greatly missed.
A visitation for Joyce will be held Saturday, September 23, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Haisten Funerals & Cremations, 1745 Zack Hinton Parkway, McDonough, Georgia 30253, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00 AM in the Haisten chapel.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.haistenfunerals.com for the Ellis family.
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