Joyce Cosby Edwards
November 21, 1935 - June 25, 2016
Obituary
Joyce Cosby Edwards, 80, passed away June 25, 2016 in Des Moines, WA with her children and a dear friend by her side after a long and valiant battle with lung disease.
A Memorial Service and Reception will be held at 1:00 p.m. on July 13, 2016 in the Chapel at Judson Park 23600 Marine View Drive S. Des Moines, WA 98198 to celebrate Joyce’s life and contributions to her community.
Joyce was born November 21, 1935 in Topeka, Kansas. Her family moved to California, where she studied piano and dance, and graduated from Bancroft High School in San Leandro. After graduation, Joyce went to Sasebo, Japan and taught elementary school music and piano, led the music program at her local church, and was married.
Upon her return to the US, Joyce raised three children, taught piano lessons, served her church as choir director, and completed studies in Piano Performance at Highline Community College and Cornish College of the Arts. Joyce began to study organ and performed as a singer and organist in the nightclub and hotel circuit in western Washington and Alaska as an active member of the Musicians’ Association of Seattle, Local 76-493. In addition to teaching and performing, Joyce spent the last half of her career life working in Seattle and Kent as a bookkeeper and office manager. Until recently, Joyce volunteered as an organist for chapel services at local retirement communities.
Joyce is remembered by friends and family as witty, intelligent, and full of life. She loved animals, birds and flowers and contributed generously to numerous charitable organizations supporting animal protection, Veterans, the Lung Association and Shriner’s Hospital, to name a few.
Joyce is survived by her brother and his wife, William A. and Grace Cosby; three children; Marcia, Kathy, Marty and his wife Stella; and grandchild; Michiaki. She will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent. Donations in Joyce’s name may be sent to ASPCA or Shriners’ Hospital for Crippled Children.
Sending love and wishes for support and strength to Joyce’s family. Rest in Peace lovely lady.
Please share your memories of our mom with us as we celebrate her life, and adjust to her loss. We welcome your stories, recollections, thoughts and photos.
Thank you,
Joyce’s kids; Marcia, Kathi, and Marty
To one of my favorite on-line friends. Her email address, joy-fly@ says the story of her life. She was full of joy and a delight to have as a friend. I’ll miss you very much. Rest in Peace
Our long lost cousin, (Joyce) was such a pleasure to interact with on Facebook.
May God Bless and keep her!
In Jesus name!
Amen!
My mom had many friends. Photos almost always show her laughing.
My mom was a beautiful bride
Our mom loved her brother Bill best of all