Johnson, Joyce Ann Simms (Age 66) of Fort Washington, Maryland.

Obituary

A chapter completed

A page has turned

A life well lived

A rest well earned

Joyce Ann Johnson was suddenly called by God to his heavenly home to rest at Civista Medical Center Hospital in La Plata, Maryland on January 13, 2013. Born July 11, 1946 in Washington, D.C. to the late Frederick Sr. and Edna Simms, she attended and graduated from the Prince Georges County Public School System. She was a lifelong member of the St. Paul's United Methodist Church.

On October 12, 1963, she was united in holy matrimony to Melvin E. Johnson. From this union she had two sons; Melvin (Nick) and Steven (Stevie) Johnson.

Joyce was so proud of her job as a Laboratory Technician at Salvnet Liberties in Laurel, Maryland giving them twenty five years of service and then became a saleswoman at Kmart working in lady's apparel for six years before retiring to a life of relaxation.

Joyce was a soft spoken person with a spirit of adventure, love and giving. Her family and friends were her passion and delight. An avid gardener; she would pamper and nurture the plants throughout its growing stages. When they were ready, she would display her reward; freshly home grown vegetables. She loved to dance; but would say ''I don't have any rhythm." We would say "Who cares. Just enjoy yourself."

She was preceded in death by her sister, Carolyn Peterson and brother, Thomas Simms (Pluck), brothers-in-law; Harvey Peterson, Michael Thompson and Clarence Marshall.

Left to cherish with many fond memories of Joyce along with her husband and sons are grandson; Darion Dorsey, sister; Bernice Thompson, brothers; Frederick Jr. and Kenneth Simms, sisters-in-law; Brenda King-Simms and Loretta Simms; aunt; Lillian Proctor and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

The garden gate stood open

He saw you needed rest

God's garden must be beautiful

For he only takes the best.

We can not halt the hands of time

Or live in the past

But within our hearts are memories

That will forever last.

To some you maybe forgotten

To others a part of the past

But to us who loved and lost you

Your memory will always last.

Viewing, 10am until time of Service, 11am, Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Oxon Hill, MD. Interment, Heritage Memorial Cemetery, Waldorf, MD.

Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON Funeral Home, P.A., Indian Head, MD.