Joyce A. Towner
August 7, 1936 – March 12, 2020
Age 83, of Chardon, formerly of Oxon Hill, MD, passed away on March 12, 2020 at Maplewood Senior Living. She was born August 7, 1936 in Dayton, OH to Harold A. Towner and Dorothy Adah (nee: Davis) Towner. Joyce was a graduate of Mt. Vernon Academy and continued her education in Takoma Park, MD, with a B.S. in Nursing from the Washington Adventist University. She worked for the Veterans Administration Hospital in Washington D.C., but the bulk of her career was spent working with the elderly at D.C. Village, a government run facility in Washington, D.C. After retirement, she enjoyed traveling the world with friends and missionaries. After fulfilling her dream of traveling, she took a part time job at Bradford Oaks Nursing Center as their in-service educator teaching CPR and refreshing them on nursing techniques. Her final job was a part time position with an elder day care center. She had a special love for the elderly and treated them with deep respect. She had a difficult time retiring from nursing as it was her life calling.
She had a very strong faith and was an active member at Oxon Hill United Methodist Church in Oxon Hill, MD. She worked in many capacities at the church but especially loved to share her strong alto voice in the choir. When she was praised for a beautiful solo, she always said, “It was for God’s glory, not mine.” She worked with the Stephen Ministry for many years, serving those who were home-bound or who just needed a friend. She enjoyed singing as a member of the Maryland Choral Society, which she did for many years. She loved the people and enjoyed the challenge of learning difficult music.
Joyce was also a member of a clowning ministry. She brought joy to many folks by dressing in her clown costume, donning her make-up and huge shoes, and walking the dog-less leash. She also volunteered as a nurse with a group called Handicapped Encounter Christ. This is a multi-generational, racial and ethnic worldwide group. They helped assimilate the disabled into society. She shared her nursing ability on overnight retreats and became special friends to many.
Survivors include her brother, John (Sharon) Towner, nieces: Cheryl (Jeff Cumming) Towner, Jenny Ireland, Jackie (Joe) Williams and Joyce (Michael) Perrico; nephew, Kenton (Jen) Towner; grand-nieces: Lauren (Dan) Nault, Karyn Cumming and Marissa Perrico; grand-nephews: Greg and Matthew Ireland, Ben Cumming, Anthony, Dante and Rocco Perrico: and great grand-nephew Ashton Ireland.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Robert Jasmine.
A Service in Celebration of Joyce’s Life will be held at a later date at Oxon Hill United Methodist Church, 6400 Livingston Road, Oxon Hill, MD. 20745
Donations can be made in memory of Joyce Anne Towner to Oxon Hill United Methodist Church.
Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com.