Joyce Marie Dunham

Joyce Marie was the first baby girl born to Cornel and Gladys White Stinson. Along with her older brother, Cornel, Joyce would later have the company of their baby sister, Maxine. As time passed, this sibling trio would be joined by their youngest sister, Barbara.

Guided by the principles instilled in her by her parents, Joyce embraced her faith in Christ from a tender age. She was an active member of her church community in Blythe, California, and pursued her education within the Palo Verde School District with zeal and enthusiasm. Joyce was known for her love of learning and a spirit of independence, qualities that her parents nurtured. During her high school years, she gained practical experience working at Uncle Ben's Café, an opportunity that her parents encouraged to foster her self-reliance. It was in Blythe that Joyce's path crossed with Tommie Dunham, leading to their marriage and the birth of their three children: two sons, Tommie and David, and a daughter, Joyclyn.

Joyce possessed a deep affection for children, often filling her purse with activities to entertain the young ones during church services, creating a mini sanctuary of joy and learning in her pew. She was especially loved for the sweets and candies she shared, bringing smiles to many faces.

Standing at 5'2", Joyce was a vibrant and energetic soul, always aged "22", with a passion for dancing, shopping, and exploring new places. Her green thumb was evident in her love for gardening, as she cultivated a variety of herbs, fruits, and vegetables, and even took up composting in her later years to enrich her flourishing garden. Joyce was also known for her empathetic ear and unwavering support, offering honest yet compassionate advice. She was humble, readily admitting her mistakes and apologizing whenever necessary. As a mother, Joyce instilled the values of independence and critical thinking in her children, encouraging them to forge their own paths and supporting them unconditionally in their choices.

Joyce was preceded in heavenly transitioning by her parents ~ Cornel Sr. and Gladys White Stinson; her son ~ Glanel; and long-time beau ~ Elijah Brooks.

On Friday, February 23, 2024, God fulfilled Joyce's confidence in Him to provide protection and shelter as her guide and deliverer of whom she desired in her favorite poem of Thanksgiving ~ Psalm 27 ~ . . . One thing I asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to inquire in His temple.

Her memories will be cherished by her sons ~ Tommie (Yvette) Dunham and David (Meghan) Dunham; daughter ~ Joyclyn Dunham; grandchildren, to whom she was known as "Big Mama" ~ Tommie, Tyler, Stephon (Dede), Hayden, Blair, Blythe, and Quinn; great-grandchildren ~ Oaklynn and Julien; brother ~ Cornel (Alice) Stinson, Jr.; sisters ~ Maxine Basabe and Barbara Terry; honorary children ~ Andre (Lisa) Hunter and Aretha Harrell; others who called her Mom or their favorite Auntie Joyce; and a cadre of favorite and beautiful nieces, handsome nephews, gorgeous cousins, and fantastic friends.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, April 12, 2024, at Palo Verde Cemetery, located at 343 10th Ave, Blythe, CA, 92225, beginning at 1:00PM. A repast will follow at American Legion Post #24, located at 137 N. Ash Ave, Blythe, CA, 92225.