Joyce Marie Kolowinski

Life is a gift from God. Our family and friends are gifts to be savored. Although some days may be full of hardship or sadness, each breath, heart beat and thought illustrates the beautiful gift of life.

Joyce was born May 15, 1943 in Olympia, WA to Vi Roberts and Robert Shumate, and passed away quietly at home on July 16th, 2021. She was raised by her great grandparents Ed and Melissa Roberts and Grandma “Bah” Lucille Brooks. Throughout her lifetime she moved many times from Little Rock to Lacy, to Sumner, and Puyallup. Joyce loved her family immensely and told stories of Grandpa Roberts and her taking walks through the woods and hearing cougars screaming in the woods, and Grandma Roberts baking the best blackberry pies.

She’d share memories of being 2 years old and climbing up to the top of the shed roof to “help” Grandpa, only to have Grandma come to get her down; smacking the nasty rooster that would chase her. Perhaps that is why Joyce never liked birds! She loved her dog Skippy who would crack walnuts for her to eat and was her protector, and Pepsi Poo who would go  jeeping with our family. In 1957 she met Emmett during dance class at school and they began dating in 1960 with an afternoon date to the Fair. She graduated from Puyallup High School in 1961 and the couple married May 13th, 1963. They shared 58 years of marriage and memories together.

In January of 1964 their daughter Laurie was born and their second daughter Lynnell was born in 1966.

Joyce always put her family first and was giving to all who knew her.

She was a determined, strong, dedicated, and loving lady who would defend her family and was a loyal friend; true to her word.

Joyce was a working wife and mother. She worked a variety of jobs; Retail at Elvins Department store, the scone booth at the fair, Puyallup School District Bus Driver-where she also served as a Driver Trainer and Union President! After that she went on to work for Pierce Transit driving busses.

The grass didn’t grow under her feet because she liked to travel and to see historical places, go bowling, play cards and bunko, and gamble at casinos. She liked action movies, music from the 50’s and 60’s, football, and was an avid jeep racer. She was proud to represent the region 2 relay race team - which took 1st place 5 years in a row! She also liked trail riding where she could see beautiful Mt. Rainier.

Shopping was her hobby! She loved to buy things and if there was a sale - it was even better! Joyce wasn’t just a Grandma she was a “Glam-ma” because she loved her sparkles, spangles, purses and shoes. She was beautiful!

When it came to family gatherings she would fix huge amounts of food and bring what seemed like 10 pies. Her laugh was contagious and she always had an ear to listen, advice to share, hugs and kisses to give, and a lap for little ones to sit on. Over the years the family grew from their 4 and she was blessed with two son in laws Cary and Chris, 10 grandchildren: Stephanie, Jennifer, Kayla, Megan, Jannelle, Ryker, Brandon, Kevin, Tony and Jason, and 9 Great Grandchildren: Alorah, Derek, Katelyn, Landon, Hadley, Jaxen, Octavia, Gracelynn, and Aaliyah.

She is proceeded in death by her Grandparents, Parents, Brother - Alan Naylor, and Daughter Laurie. She is survived by her husband Emmett, her daughter Lynnell, her Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren, Brothers; Jim Naylor, Roger, Allen, and Rob Shumate, Sister Debbie and their spouses.

“God never promised and easy life. He said we will have suffering and heartaches, but also promised that he would be with us to comfort us and reunite us in heaven.” Until we meet again we love you and you’ll forever be in our hearts.