Joyce King (3 Dec 1921 - 8 Sep 2019)

In loving memory of Joyce King who sadly passed away on 8th September 2019 aged 97 years.
Joyce was born in her home at 7 New Park Street on 3 December 1921 and lived there her whole life. Her Father worked as mill manager at A Marshall and Son Limited, in Station Road, and his boss was Tommy Marshall, who also owned Park Mill.

Her father’s position meant Joyce was well known and was friendly with all of the mill owners families, including the Wilson’s, the Smith’s, the Marshall’s, and the Hartley’s.

She attended Ebeneezer church with her mother and father until it closed; at which point she then transferred her membership to Central Methodist Church.

In her formative years Joyce was a keen sportswoman, and played Tennis for Yorkshire Ladies. Her career was abruptly halted when she was diagnosed with a Melanoma in her right eye, and she subsequently lost her place in the team following surgery. Joyce often expressed regret that she was never able to fulfil her lifetime ambition to play tennis for her country, as she had apparently been put forward for selection at the time. Despite that, she continued to follow her former team mates progress, and was always proud of their achievements.

She was also very interested in other sport, and was an avid supporter of Leeds United, always wanting to know how her team had done, and where they were placed in the league tables. Cricket was another of her passions, and she followed the exploits of certain players with great interest.

Joyce worked for many years as a secretary at Yorkshire Bank in Queen Street Morley, where she was held in high regard both by those with whom she worked, and by the customers who knew her.

She enjoyed foreign holidays, and in particular loved Switzerland as is evident from a photograph album she has kept from her holidays in 1952 and 1954, where she holidayed with her mother and father, visiting Interlaken, and Montreaux, taking in the local sights and scenery; one of the many places she re-visited later in life with her friend Margaret following her parents death. Wherever she went, she always had her hat on.

When her father fell ill in the late 1960’s she and her mother looked after him at home, and Joyce later cared at home for her own mother when was she diagnosed with Arthritis. Both her Mother and Father lived into their early eighties.

Joyce always expressed the wish that she should remain in the family home for as long as she could. About six years ago, she fell and was admitted to hospital for a few days and then spent a couple of years at home being looked after by her two carers, before falling a second time, after which she moved into Lydgate Lodge where she was kindly looked after by full time carers. Joyce died peacefully at Lydgate after a very short illness, brought about by old age.

Joyce had a strong will, and was a very assertive lady, not suffering fools gladly. She respected those who proved themselves, and spoke her mind when things were not done to her satisfaction. An admirable quality born of being someone living independently for the vast majority of her long life. Even in the care home, she knew her own mind, and would ask for, and usually get, the care and attention she wanted.

She had a wicked sense of humour, winding people up knowing full well the effect she was having on them. She was also adept at letting people know when they had outstayed their welcome, sending them on their way with her blessings; which if one did not know her well, could have been taken the wrong way. It took a brave man to say no to Joyce, as many of the church members knew full well!

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to a great lady; she was one of a kind, and will be remembered for her involvement in the life of the church.

She enjoyed a very long and very full life, and we will remember her with fondness.