Joyce B. Johnson

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our Mother, Joyce B Johnson. Joyce was 87 years old and passed away at home, as she insisted she would, on February 14th, 2026. Joyce was born in Newark, New Jersey on April 24th, 1938; daughter of the late Eric V. Hallar and Blanche Hallar.

Joyce was of Scandinavian heritage and very proud of her roots. She enjoyed travel when she was young, returning to her father's home in Husqvarna, Sweden, but also Paris, France, London, England and more. She attended the Pheonix School of Design in New York City for five years, majoring in both textile design and illustration. She had a career designing textiles as well as being a successful watercolor artist. But her talents did not stop there, and she continued to craft, make and create and even sold her items at local shops on consignment and at Coast Day here in Lewes.

Among her many passions, treasure hunting was her favorite. Joyce was president of the Delaware Marine Archaeology Society for several years and a go to resource for locals looking to identify their findings on the beach. Joyce was not your average beachcomber; Joyce was the real deal. She found a myriad of pieces over the nearly 40 years spent combing the beach and has quite a collection of treasures. She was a pirate through and through.

Joyce is survived by and missed by her three children Karl Johnson of St. Augustine, Florida, Jennifer Lynch of Seaford, Delaware and Ingrid Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia. Additionally, three grandsons, Erik Lynch, Donovan Lynch and Stefan Johnson, and a great grandson, also named Erik Lynch.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Edward T. Johnson, and her parents, Eric and Blanche.

Joyce lived a full and adventurous life. She was an amazingly strong person, and she remained a fighter to the bitter end. She closed out her life with a rum cocktail listening to Frank Sinatra's "My Way"; incredibly fitting indeed. She will be deeply missed. We will think of you mom, every time we need a gentle nudge to persevere or see anything pirate themed! You were a splendiferous mom!

Now, bring us that horizon!

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