M. Joyce Morrison

1926 - 2015

M. JOYCE MORRISON May 27, 1926 - April 19,2015 Joyce Morrison passed away in Eureka, California on April 19, 2015. She was 88 years old. Born to James D. and Marion W. Alumbaugh in Ontario, California on May 27, 1926. She was raised on a small ranch surrounded by peach, lemon and walnut orchards. Eventually the fruit trees were replaced by an extensive chicken ranch and Joyce was proud to be a part of the family business. Joyce graduated from Chaffey High School in Ontario and went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from the University of Redlands in Riverside, California and a teaching credential from the University of California Santa Barbara. She was subsequently awarded a Life Time Kindergarten through 3rd Grade Diploma by the California Department of Education. Shortly after assuming her first position as an elementary school teacher, she met her future husband, Certified Public Accountant Silas Morrison at an Alum Club gathering. They were married on December 19, 1964. They lived and worked in the Los Angeles/Orange County area, while raising Silas' son Silas Marc Morrison, who quickly formed a close bond with his loving Mother. They moved to Silas' hometown Eureka in 1969. Included in her 39 years of teaching, Joyce taught kindergarten, first and second grade at Worthington School and later at Jefferson School. Following her retirement in 1988 she continued there volunteering her expertise and experience to the teaching staff. Joyce enjoyed bowling and playing tennis as a young girl. Later in life she chose the less physical pursuits of sewing, reading and crossword puzzles. Her nieces fondly remember her sewing lessons and special cake-mix cookies. Anyone who knew Joyce, knew of her affinity for soft, fuzzy sweaters and Holly Yashi earrings. She enjoyed her connection with AAUW, her investment club and the First United Methodist Church in Eureka. She always maintained a sweet, quiet nature but she was also known to belt out a song or two at a family get-together. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents James W. and Marion Alumbaugh, her brothers Dr. Robert L. Alumbaugh and James W. Alumbaugh and her step-son Silas Marc Morrison. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Silas F. Morrison, step-son Lafe Morrison (Sharon) of Wyoming, Jaime Morrison Broad (Kip) of Anchorage, AK, her sisters-in-law Carol Alumbaugh (Jay) and Elaine Alumbaugh (Robert). She is also survived by brothers-in-law James K. Morrison (Gay) and John R. Morrison (Beverly), all of Eureka. She was beloved "Aunt Joyce" to six nieces and six nephews and their families. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Timber Ridge and to Dr. Michael Fratkin of Resolution Care. A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 3, 2015 at the First United Methodist Church on F Street in Eureka. Suggested charitable donations in memory of Joyce include the First United Methodist Church, Hospice of Humboldt or Resolution Care at 2440 23rd Street, Suite B, in Eureka. Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com under Obituaries.