Joyce Dora Black

In loving memory of Joyce Dora black who passed away on August 14, 2023, in Puyallup Washington.

Joyce was born on May 24, 1944, in Redding, California to Gerald and Norma Black. Joyce was a loving devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She loved her family and friends and showed it with her unprecedented generosity.

Joyce had a 30-year career with DSHS, DDA, and DVR. She started as a secretary and ended her career as the Assistant Deputy Director of DDA. She was a fierce advocate and a voice for people with developmental disabilities and was one of the leading pioneers to successfully place individuals living in institutions into their own homes and communities. This is also where she met her husband Dave and made many of her lifelong friendships.

Joyce loved to entertain, and her presence radiated life and love to all who came in contact with her. She loved to travel and was extremely adventurous. She started traveling at age 17 while living in Pakistan. Her love of travel lasted her entire life. She had plans to travel to Portugal and Morocco, this September. Joyce, especially loved Asia. She had a gift for meeting and connecting with people from different countries and cultures.

In the eighties she bought a sailboat with her friends and learned to sail. They would sail often to the San Juan islands.

Joyce and her husband Dave purchased a home in Mazatlán Mexico in 2010. They lived there six months out of the year and formed several friendships and indulged themselves in the Mexican culture.

Throughout her life she faced many challenges with her health, but this did not stop her from enjoying life. Her love for people and adventure helped her overcome these challenges. Joyce was a fighter to the end and she was our Wonder Woman! She lived life to the fullest and inspired others to do the same.

Joyce is predeceased in death by her parents Gerald and Norma Black, brother Jimmy, sister Janice Lemarr & daughter Jacqueline Duran she is survived by her husband, David Black, sister, Jean Cherry (Jack), daughter Jennifer Duran (Chris), stepchildren Bob Black (Becca), Stephanie Steele (Tyler), and Missy Black (Alex Perino), grandchildren Hannah Dennis, Eliot Duran, Austin Duran, and Adelyn Petti e several nieces and nephews and great grandchildren.

A Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Sunday October 15th 1‐4pm on the Skansonia ferry boat located at 205 NE Northlake Way #6855 Seattle, WA.