Joyce Michele Saulsbery-Dennis, was born to Anna Belle and Varrana Saulsbery on December 8, 1948 in Greenfield, Ohio. Joyce was a proud graduate of Linden McKinley High School, class of 1966. She continued her education at various higher institutions, The Ohio State University, Columbus State Community College, and Franklin University. Joyce retired from Lucent Technology in 2001 after being employed for 32 years. With much time on her hands, she filled dual roles as teacher and administrative assistant at Sonshine Christian Academy for twelve years and retired once again in 2012.
Joyce knew everyone and never met a stranger. She became an instant friend, long lost cousin, or a mother to everyone she encountered. She was creative. She enjoyed drawing, writing in calligraphy, singing, and crocheting. Her favorite color was turquoise, her favorite flower was Calla Lilies and without question, her favorite saying was “Remember who you are in Jesus!” Joyce was also an avid genealogist and family historian. Joyce researched the families of Augustus West for more than 35 years.
Joyce was a member of Rhema Christian Center for 35 years. During that time, she taught various classes, including the Tabernacle of Moses. In 2011, she accomplished a goal of becoming a licensed minister. She was also a lifetime member of Shorter Chapel AME Church.
“Joycie” as she was affectionately called was small but mighty, at just 4’1 1″ she was resilient in her fight for life. After 27 years of battling heart disease, Joyce knew what it meant to be healed. From her previous near death and out of body experience in 1995, she knew she had been called to help heal others. She faithfully taught others to walk with the Lord and trust His word, line upon line, precept upon precept.
Joyce was an angel on earth but on February 25, 2022, she officially gained her wings and her soul rejoiced as she joined her parents (Varrana and Anna Belle Saulsbery) and her grandson, (Joshua Emmanuel Saulsbery) who preceded her in death.
Left to cherish her memory, Joyce leaves her three daughters: Denise Saulsbery, Jaqueline Saulsbery-Hill and I’na Rowell (Jewryl); five grandchildren: Martina Dowdy (Bryant), James, l’Aniese, Isabelle and Carbon; six great grandchildren: Christopher, MacKenzie, Chase, Bryant Jr, Major and Cairo; her only sister: Anne Saulsbery;
nephews: John and Jason Saulsbery; her only niece and namesake: Joyce Saulsbery; special sisters: Jacqueline Fickling and Kathy Talbert; the Davis-Cannon family and a host of extended family and friends.
Visitation 10:00 am and Funeral Service 11:00 am Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Rhema Christian Center , 2100 Agler Road. Masks and Social Distancing are required.
Interment at Greenfield Cemetery Wednesday at 11:00 am.
Whenever we saw each other it was a Pleasure. You were always so Sweet and Beautiful to me. As a young child you made sure that I ate good Every Day when you worked at the St Anthony’s Hospital Cafeteria in the 70s. From then until the last time we spoke , your Question has Always been the same. ” How’s your Brother doing ??? You made being Short cute. You will always be fondly remembered. Rest Well Joyce…
Through Middle School and High School we were friends. But whenever I would bump into you throughout the years it was as if we just spoke yesterday. No matter what you’ve been through you always made it through. You are missed.
To the family you are all in my thoughts and prayers. May God comfort you and bring you peace. Ms Joyce is one of the smiling faces that I will greatly miss from “Our Rhema Faithful”! No matter her health status and how difficult it was to get there. Ms. Joyce would not sit in the back, she insisted on walking she wanted to sit close to the front. Her determination and strength were just part of who she was. May you Rest Well Ms. Joyce your presence will be missed.
I met Joyce when she first moved to Greenfield after her retirement. I am a retired history teacher and I quickly became aware of her interest in history, especially that of the Canon family and its impact on the history of “our” town. With the coming of Covid, we had few chances to sit and talk and that will be missed. I want to send my condolences, and those of my wife, Janet, to all of Joyce’s family and friends.
Joyce was truly an angel from God. She was always their for her family and friends to lend an helping hand when needed. Joyce you will be missed but never forgotten, you will live in our hearts always ♥️.
We would like to extend our condolences to the family.
May God comfort you through his word the Bible and the gift of prayer. Thinking of you.
To the family sending prayers of comfort to each and all. Joyce was a true prayer warrior and always stood fast on the word. She always was positive and gave encouragement whenever you seen her. Rest now rest in the father’s arms.
I knew Joyce from Lucent Technologies. She was a loving, caring soul who dearly loved and worshipped her children and grandchildren. She earned her wings, may the family be comforted by the love she bestowed upon them.
Joyce and I met on the grounds of Central State University where our daughters were freshman. I was concerned about being from Michigan & leaving my child there not knowing anyone. I voiced that to Joyce & she immediately accepted my child as her mother away from home and she truly was indeed. I love her for that. My heart is very heavy now for her passing. She’ll certainly be missed. RIP my friend. Prayers for the family. Love you all.
Thanks to Joyce and her love of family, The Greenfield Historical Society gained valuable knowledge of our history and her history. I always enjoyed talking to her and seeing her smile.
We were so saddened to learn of her passing.
My heart and prayers to the entire family. I went to school with I’na years ago. Thinking of you during this difficult time. Sending love your way.
May God bless Joyce with open arms and ramp them around her tightly. So she so love the Lord as he love her. May God keep my Daughters strong and continue to watch over them all in their time of need and their families. Just know I’m here if you need any thing Love Daddy Gary
Joyce May God ramp his arms around you tightly,so you so love the Lord so he love you.Also I you and our heavenly father will keep your arms around our DAUGHTER’S and their families and them as you always have in their time of need. Just know l’m here for you all Love Daddy Gary
Denise & Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mama Joyce the last time I heard your voice was over the phone, you praying for me during my Covid recovery. You are a true angel of God! Love you mama Joyce ❤️
Mrs Joyce, You Were Always “ That Beacon of Light”
Always a Beautiful Smile, Kind Words. Your Light, Continues to Shine through Your Beautiful Children. Your Work was Not in Vain. My Deepest Condolences to Your Family.
Joyce and I were double cousins. I found her through DNA. My gr grandmother was Nancy West and hers Mary our gr grandfather’s were brothers as well. It was only four years ago our paths crossed. We share so much in our bloodline and I felt an immediate connection, however I took time for granted. I feel like I missed out on a very good relationship with her. My heart is heavy, because this beautiful soul has gone way to soon. Prayers to her daughters, grandchildren and sister. ❤ always.
To the family, I met Joyce in 1984. She was pleasant loving and caring. My son and Martina went to Sonshine together. I reconnected with her within the past year. I last saw her at Rhema . She was a wonderful person and she always made you feel special. Rest in heaven Joyce! God has you in his arms. May God bless the family.
Miss Joyce you’ll be missed, such a beautiful soul and loving mother to all. Your smile and encouraging words was greatly appreciated. May your soul rest now. Praying for you Jackie and family through this difficult time..
Aunt Joyce you will be missed my many but never forgotten, my deepest condolences and prayers to the Family Rest my angel.
Deepest sympathy and condolence to the Saulsbery family for Joyce was loved by many.
Joyce was such a rock to, not only her immediate family, but to her entire extended family of cousins. I will be forever grateful for the love she showed her cousins, the Robert Lucas family of which I am a member. We were so happy to know her. She just stepped in and continued the genealogy research on our Walden and Minor ancestors where my mother Ernestine left off. My mother would be thrilled to know what Joyce accomplished. She was so smart and such a go-getter. Her devotion to her family was extraordinary. I am so sorry that I was not able to attend her services. She did not know that our mutual cousin, Dolores Stewart, passed on February 19th. She knew I was her caretaker and checked on me periodically. Joyce would have made every effort to be there for me, had she known that Tootie had passed before her. Joyce’s life was cut short but her beautiful legacy will survive forever in our hearts. My deepest condolences to her entire family. Rest in peace until we see you again Joyce. I know that you are having a great time meeting our ancestors who you so diligently researched. Know that I loved you. I send my love to the family.
So sorry about the loss of your mom. Sending condolences and prayers .