Joyce Durham

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Joyce Durham, a beloved mother, sister, Gigi, and friend who departed this life on August 9th, 2025, at the age of 83.

Born on May 22, 1942, to the late Walker and Cecil Dickard, Joyce grew up surrounded by a large and loving family. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Ernest Durham with whom she shared 61 loving years. She was also preceded in death by her siblings Don Dickard, Susan Osteen, and Judy Dickard; her grandson Walker Durham; and her daughter-in-law Allison Durham.

She is survived by two loving sons, Barry Durham (Jean) and Spencer Durham (Jamie); her granddaughters Jenna Crosby (John) and Haley Farmer (Alex); her step grandchildren Josh Clark (Jennifer), Justin Clark, and Elizabeth Clark; her great grand-daughter Ember who lovingly named her Gigi; her step great grandchildren Adrianna, Remington, Rebecca, Christine, and Sarah; as well as her siblings, Roger Dickard, Wayne Dickard (Rachel), Doug Dickard (Jo), and Keith Dickard (Joy), and Shirley Durham (Morris). Her memory lives on in her sons, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her many friends whose lives she touched.

She found happiness in life's simple pleasures. A true southern woman at heart, Joyce delighted in home cooked meals, which always had to be followed by a sweet dessert. In her earlier years, she worked at Pratt-Reed and occasionally picked cotton to help support her family and then after marriage got a job at Michelin as a lab technician and later retired at the age of 55 to become a full-time grandma. She was a lifelong fan of Elvis Presley and also enjoyed the country music of Alan Jackson and Jamey Johnson.

Her daily routines brought her comfort and joy. Joyce enjoyed watching The Young and The Restless, The Bold and The Beautiful, and Live with Kelly and Mark each morning. She cherished long conversations with her siblings, outings with her sister-in-law Elaine Durham, and precious time with her granddaughters. Over the past year Joyce lived with her son, Barry, and daughter-in-law, Jean and looked forward to weekends spent at her home in Pendleton with her son, Spencer, and her beloved dog-her "favorite son"-Peanut.

Joyce found strength and inspiration in devotional readings, especially A Little GOD Time for Women (a gift from her sister Shirley) and God Hears Her: Devotions for Women by Women. She was a woman of great spirit, warmth, and kindness. Known for her infectious smile and witty sense of humor, she had a remarkable ability to brighten any room she entered. Her deep love, generosity, and gentle presence brought joy and comfort to all who knew her.

Joyce will be deeply missed, but her legacy of love, laughter and resilience will continue to inspire all who knew and loved her.

The funeral service will be on Friday, August 15, 2025, at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with Rev. Ray Longenecker officiating. Burial will follow at Memory Gardens in Clemson. Her brothers will serve as honorary pallbearers. The funeral service will be livestreamed through The McDougald Funeral Home website: www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.