Mary Dale Woodbery Joyce Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Mary Dale Joyce, age 85, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 18, 2022, surrounded by her five daughters. Mary Dale and her twin brother were born on November 28, 1936, in Bainbridge, Georgia, to the late William Potter Woodbery, Sr., and May Woodbery. The family lived on their farm in Havana, Florida, and were members of Salem United Methodist Church. Mary Dale initially attended Queens College in Charlotte, NC, and later graduated from Florida State University. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority and was an acrobatic performer with the FSU Flying High Circus. She was a real estate broker with Investors Realty and later Talcor Realty, where she sold acreage and commercial real estate for more than 30 years. Mary Dale was a natural with people and loved getting to know her clients. You never knew who she was bringing home for dinner, but a lively conversation was always on the menu, and everyone was welcome. Our mother was a petite lady of only five feet in height, rarely topping 100 lbs most of her life. Mary Dale was optimistic, a great listener, and offered encouragement to friends and loved ones without judgment. She left a lasting impression on whomever she met and could light up a room with her beautiful smile. Mom embodied southern charm and was a “steel magnolia” known to wear snake boots, carry a pistol, and wield a machete when showing property. Raising five daughters also took some grit; we drove mom “up a wall” and made her so mad she could “spit nails,” but she loved us best by demonstrating strength, courage, character, and compassion. She married Edwin Anthony “Ed” Joyce, Jr. in 1978, and they lived happily together for more than 36 years at their 1800’s farmhouse. They hosted oyster shucking parties and lots of other celebrations. They invited friends over to pick blueberries, scuppernong grapes and sent them home with vegetables from the garden. Stray dogs and cats became beloved pets, and farm animals from chickens to donkeys enjoyed living under the beautiful canopy of oaks and pine trees. They traveled to many coastal regions of the world with Ed’s job as a marine biologist, enjoyed vacations at St. George Island with their big family, and spent time on the farm in Havana, Florida. Later in life, after Ed passed away, mom’s memory and cognitive function declined. While dementia robbed mom of many things, her kind and loving spirit remained strong. Her beautiful smile made you feel loved. Mom would often tell caregivers and loved ones how “wonderful” they were. She loved music, dancing, and ice cream! We were blessed to care for and love mom in a new way, and she made it easy, giving us so much love, affection, and gratitude. Mary Dale is predeceased by her beloved husband, Edwin Anthony “Ed” Joyce, Jr., her twin brother, William Potter “Potter” Woodbery, Jr., and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. W.P. Woodbery. She is survived by a sister, Helen Loch (Glenn) of Gainesville, Texas, and a brother, John Woodbery (Dee) of Snohomish, Washington. She is also survived by five daughters; Kathy Moore (Jeff) of Havana, Florida; Kim Pope (Robert) of Altamonte Springs, Florida; Beth Schremser (Jeff) of Crawfordville, Florida; Kelly Crutcher (James) of Atlanta, Georgia; Carson Durrance (Tim) of Tallahassee, Florida. Nine grandchildren; Shelbi Evans (Rob), Mary Kendall Durrance, Parker Durrance (Sarah), Alex Pope, Emily Pope, McElvy Moore, Matt Moore, Cate Crutcher, Lawson Crutcher, and two great-grandchildren; Drew Evans and Carston Pope. Mary Dale is also survived by two stepsons, Chris (Alysia) Joyce and Tripp Joyce, of South Carolina, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and relatives. Our family wishes to thank all who cared for mom over the last few years and months. The caregivers at home, Azalea Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care, and Big Bend Hospice for comforting mom and making our time with her meaningful. On Friday, March 25, 2022, a visitation will be held from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm, where the family will receive friends and relatives at Bevis Funeral Home on John Knox Road in Tallahassee, Florida. A Memorial Service will be on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 3:00 pm at Salem United Methodist Church in Havana, Florida. Donations in memory of Mary Dale may be made to Big Bend Hospice Foundation; 1723 Mahan Center Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32308. Kelly Barber of Bevis Funeral Home (850-385-2193 or www.bevisfh.com) is assisting the Joyce family with their arrangements.

Tributes

Mary Dale Woodbery Joyce

November 28, 1936 - March 18, 2022