Joyce Mary Downton (26 Apr 1935 - 1 Jun 2022)

In loving memory of Joyce Mary Downton who sadly passed away on 1st June 2022. Beloved Wife of the late Roly, much loved Mum of Nigel & Julie and Tracey & Rob. Dear Nan of Mark, Samantha, Chloe and Laura and Great Nan of Felicity, Isabelle, William, Jacob, Logan, Felix and Edith.

A life long resident of Ferndown and a friend to many.

Joyce was born in Ferndown and grew up on Wimborne Road East. Third child of Sam and Maggie Dominey, she had older brother Sam, older sister Peg and younger brother Wally. She attended Ferndown School where her own mother had previously been a teacher.

On leaving school at 15, she went to work for Curry's in Winton where she stayed until the untimely death of her mum in 1952. She left her job aged 17 to look after her father and younger brother. In 1956 she married Roly at All Saints Church, Hampreston. Nigel was born in 1957 and Tracey in 1965. The family continued to live at Melbury for many happy years.

Over the years, Joyce was an active member of the PCC at Hampreston. She was Tawny Owl at Ferndown Brownies, dinner lady at Gorsemoor Middle School and supported Roly with his part time work at Ferndown Youth Club as well as joining lots of other local clubs and acivites in Ferndown. She had so many friends in Ferndown and the wider area.

Joyce worked at Debenhams, Bournemouth for 15 years before retiring to spend time wth Roly who sadly passed away in 2002. She continued to live on Wimborne Road East until April 2021 when she moved house to be with Tracey and Rob.

A very special lady who loved her family and was a loyal friend. She will be greatly missed by so many.