Joyce (Holmes) Crawford |
| Posted 2009-05-25 by Judy Wight Branson |
| The Camp Verde Bugle, Camp Verde, Arizona Friday, May 08, 2009 Joyce Holmes Crawford, 90, passed away the evening of April 28, in Tucson, Ariz. surrounded by family. Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Merle E. Crawford, brother Morton H. Holmes, Jr., and daughter-in-law, Christine Crawford. She is survived by her sons Hal (Bonnie) of Tucson and Kent of Goodyear, Ariz.; grandsons, Todd and Scott; granddaughters, Maya, Sara, and Katie; and brother Dr. Burton E. Holmes (Gloria); and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. Joyce was born May 30, 1918, in Kansas City, Mo., where she was raised. After graduating high school at the age of 16, Joyce entered the University of Missouri, Columbia, graduating at the age 20 with a B.S. in biology. She taught high school biology in Blythville, Ark., before marrying Merle on December 18, 1938. They lived in both Cainsville and Fairfax, Mo., where Merle taught. For health reasons in 1946 they moved with their two small sons to Corcoran, Calif. A year later, they moved to the better climate of Sedona, AZ and later to nearby Cottonwood. Joyce taught grade school and high school in these places, and later kindergarten. Because of her interest in mental health she pursued a M.A. in counseling at NAU, and received her Ph.D. in school psychology at ASU in Tempe in 1976 at the age of 58. Joyce and Merle moved to Goodyear, AZ where she served as psychologist for the Avondale Elementary Schools until her retirement in 1983. Joyce has been an active participant in a number of civic organizations over the years, particularly those committed to helping others. After college she helped form a buying club for sharecroppers. Through years of work she was able to see the Verde Valley Community Mental Health Service established in the early 1960s, and later to serve the West Valley Mental Health Service. She served on a governor's advisory board in the 1970s. More recently, she has been involved with the Pima County Interfaith Council, AARP, League of Women Voters, and the Social Action Committee of the Unitarian Church. Joyce and Merle lived lives of great love and compassion for others. They strove to make the world a better place and to improve their communities giving themselves to the lives of their students, friends, and family. Over the years Joyce and Merle have taken several young men into their home, including Ulysses Chambers and Jerry Airth, who Joyce and Merle called "our honorary sons." They also remember Joyce with appreciation. Joyce was a warm and strong person, who truly was an inspiration to her family that will miss her dearly. As she loved, she is loved greatly. A private family memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to a community charity of your choice. Information provided by survivors |
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