Joyce Ellen Ford

Born March 24, 1940, she lived the majority of her life in Toms River.

While attending Toms River High School, she worked in the malt shop on Main Street where she first set eyes on a "very handsome" young man named Bill. That chance meeting led to a loving 62-year marriage and three children. Once her kids were in school, Joyce worked as a crossing guard for a number of years and then became a teacher's aide. She loved working one-on-one with the kids who needed a little extra help, celebrating their successes and encouraging them when they were frustrated.

Joyce was happiest when she had her children and grandchildren all together. Her Christmas Eve and Christmas Day family traditions were very important to her and brought her much happiness. There is one tradition that her family will never be able to carry on. According to her grandchildren, no one, but no one, can make French toast like Nan.

An avid reader, she read two to three books a week. She really enjoyed a good mystery. Joyce also had a passion for playing card games. She was blessed with a 55-year friendship with Jane Aitken with whom she shared incalculable hours of game playing and companionship.

Joyce is survived by her three children: Christine Radice and her husband Mark of Peoria, AZ; Kathleen Ford of Fort Myers, FL; William Ford, Jr. of Toms River, NJ; four grandchildren: Dr. Courtney Cox and her husband Dr. Trevor Cox of Fort Myers, FL; Dr. Cody Pollack and his wife Dr. Xiao Lu of Cleveland, Ohio; Casey Steets of Clermont, Fl; Dr. Brandon Pollack of Red Bank, NJ; and one great grandson, Dylan Cox. Also surviving are two brothers, Robert Brower of Fort Lauderdale, FL and William Brower and his wife Debbie of Pine Beach, NJ; one sister, Beverly Jodice of Toms River; and many nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Joyce was predeceased by her husband, William B. Ford, Sr. and her brother, Edward Brower.

Visitation will be held on Friday, February 19, 2021 from 2 to 5 p.m. at Anderson and Campbell Funeral Home, 703 Main St., Toms River. Cremation will be private. Condolences may be made by visiting www.andersonandcampbell.com.