Joyce Thurgood

On Sunday evening, August 14th our beloved baby sister, beloved aunt, grandaunt, cousin, and friend passed from this moral life to a holier sphere. She was born in Westwood, Lassen County California, on October 28, 1952, to her mother, Lola L. Stoker Thurgood and her father Glen Lacy Thurgood. She came home from the hospital to be with her siblings, Carolyn, Glen, Margil, David, and Marvin, on Halloween. We were so excited to see her and to hold and love her. She was a cutie, even then. Lots of dark hair and a special and engaging smile. When she was just 4 years old her family returned to her family roots when they all moved to Clearfield, Utah. There she thrived and grew. She attended Pioneer Elementary, Doxey Elementary, Sunset Junior High School, and then Clearfield High School from which she graduated with high honors and as a member of the National Honor Society. She enjoyed attending sporting events where she watched her older brothers, David and Marvin, participate in various sports. Joyce was faithful and active in her ward during this part of her life. She completed not just one but two Treasures of Truth books. She attended Brigham Young University and was awarded a scholarship to that institution. She graduated from Brigham Young University with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Business Management, Economics, and Accounting.She graduated with no student debt and had worked hard during the summer and was frugal with her resources to accomplish this goal. She even had saved money during this period and had a sizable savings account when she graduated. Upon completion of requirements and graduation from Brigham Young University, she interviewed for several positions including some in the Pacific Northwest. She chose to accept employment from the LDS Church at the Church Office Building. Two of the things our parents taught us and they valued highly was a college education and they always taught us "to be part of the solution and not part of the problems" in this world. Our parents showed and taught us to have a very strong work ethic. She faithfully filled all of her varied positions and assignments with the LDS Church and retired as a Senior Financial Analyst just prior to her death with 42 years of service. Early in her career she and a co-worker, Danelle, were sent by the church to solve some problems that were going on in New Zealand. Needless to say, they were solved, and Joyce so much enjoyed that experience. One of the stops they made on the way was at one of the south Pacific islands, and a lifelong memory was made. One of her most special possessions is a framed letter, thanking her for her diligent and faithful service to the church for 42 years, which was signed by the First Presidency. When she began working for the church, she moved to the Murray area and began her lifelong friendship with her dear friend La Kay. They beganattending the single adult ward where she made many, many lifelong friends. These are a special group of women who have remained single in this life and are the cream of the crop. The Savior has a special place for these ladies and has held them in the hollow of his hands during this life. As we helped her execute her trust, the woman who came with her attorney to act as a notary was a friend of Joyce's from this period of time. Her hair dresser was also one of these women. Her wonderful lifelong friend, Chris Canfield, is a friend from these early days. We should all be blessed with such special and lifelong friendships. Joyce purchased her first home in the Millcreek area of Salt Lake City, the same home where she lived until her death. For many years she hosted an extended family party there, where we all loved and played in the pool. She loved this home and had recently completed a remodel of her kitchen and main bathroom. She was so proud and loved what she had chosen and completed. I can tell you, it is first class. During her active church life Joyce served in many positions, including gospel doctrine teacher for many years, and was currently serving as the visiting teacher coordinator. It was difficult for her to make personal visits, so she served as a visiting teacher to ten women by keeping in contact with notes in the mail and phone. During these years, Joyce, often spent time with her mother and dad on weekends and holidays. As part of this, she and her parents were included with her sister, Carolyn's family. She and they are very close and she so enjoyed being included in all of their family activities.As time went on that was extended to include nephews and nieces, then their children and grandchildren. Thank you for including her in your lives. This special relationship continues to this day and I want to express my gratitude to them and want them to know they have been truly blessed by the life of a special daughter of God. Joyce loved children and all of her nieces and nephews are also her children. Remember, she is still watching over you and will help you and loves you all so much. There are several nieces who are single, and Joyce has a special attachment to them. She would tell you that the Savior is aware of you and watches over you and in her words to me "will somehow make it alright". It was my privilege to draw extra close to Joyce in the past year. She and I hit the Salt Lake, David/Weber county/ and Utah county Parade of homes. She visited every single level home there. She also visited several other new homes in Davis, Salt Lake, and Utah county. She wanted to choose just the right home for her to enjoy during her remaining years. She was looking forward to that time in her life. She now has her new home. It is just a little different than she has planned. The Savior said, "In my Father's house are many mansions: I go to prepare a place for you." Joyce had planned and prepared for everything in her life. I am amazed by her preparations. The one thing she did not plan for was her death. She did not see this coming. She told several of us that her body had let her down, and she had not seen this coming. Neither did we. We love you, Joyce, and look forward to the time we will all join you in our Eternal Home on High. Bonvoyage, kid, enjoy your journey! A viewing will be held for Joyce on Friday evening from 6-8 at her ward meetinghouse, 1361 East 4000 South, Salt Lake City. An additional viewing will be held from 10:00 10:45 am. Saturday morning. The funeral will begin at 11:00 am, followed by her burial in the Clearfield City Cemetery. Thank you for sharing your memories of her with us. There is beauty all around, when there is love at home, and families can be together forever. Love to you all. Place of Birth:Westwood, CaliforniaPlace of Death:Orem, Utah