Hello sweet friends. I know many of you are here today for the next installment of Lessons With Laura. The series will return next week. Today we celebrate the life of Eric’s beautiful grandmother, Joyce Rye Gunn.
Joyce Rye Gunn was born on October 2, 1925. She lived her entire 95 years on the sunny beaches of Florida. We had invited her on numerous occasions to come live with us but she would not be moved. Smile.
Joyce Rye Gunn
This photograph was taken when Grandma Joyce was just eight years old. She said she loved that frothy pink dress and wore it as often as her mother, Daisy, would let her. Pink would remain her signature color all of her long life.
In high school, Joyce was a majorette. I had asked about the uniform and she said that the cape was a magnificent blue velvet while the headdress was sparkly tinsel. I would tell her that her great legs had held up. That always made her chuckle. During high school and for a few years after she worked as a lifeguard and a ticket taker at the local movie theater.
Later on, she ran the foundations department at Furchgotts of Florida for many, many years. Her knowledge of ladies’ undergarments has been invaluable to me in my historical costuming.
Grandma Joyce was also an amazing volunteer for the Baptist Women’s Auxilary at the local Hospital.
Grandma Joyce was a huge animal lover! She favored Boston Terriers and Dachshunds remaining forever loyal to those two breeds. In recent years she delighted in hearing stories about our doxies and loved the photos we would send.
Our Queen
Grandma Joyce was the true queen of our family. I never saw her without her hair beautifully set, smelling delightful and of course often wearing pink. She favored pearls, matched her handbag to her shoes, and always wore Revlon #702 lipstick.
But most of all Grandma Joyce thought “her boys” hung the moon. We are so thankful that Ian traveled to Florida this past January to spend time with his great grandmother.
Her great wish was to be carried out “feet first” of the home Eric’s grandfather, Landen Henry Gunn, had built. She loved to say that Grandpa was her soulmate and she indeed carried a high and bright torch for him all the many years after his passing.
In her last days, we read from the bible she had given to Eric many years ago. We sang hymns from days gone by. I made sure to finger wave her hair and apply a bit of Revlon.
Grandma Joyce, you were a true treasure and will be deeply missed.
“Laurie”
A lovely tribute for a lovely woman.❤️
Loved, love, loved all the wonderful pictures and what a precious tribute to such a fine lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
My deepest condences to you, your busband and all your family on your loss. In her pictures its easy to see she was a stylish, elegant lady and loved her family. Her loss will be felt by so many. {{{hugs}}}
Such a beautiful tribute to an amazing lady.
My deepest sympathy at the loss of this lovely and beloved lady.
What a sweet tribute to a wonderful lady.
I didn’t know that wonderful woman, but you told a lovely tale of her. Rest in Peace Joyce <3 <3
What a beautiful gift you gave to Grandma Joyce, by being present and attending to her with such kindness.
God Bless you and your family. ~ carol
This is such a beautiful tribute, Laura. She sounds like quite a remarkable woman and surely one who loved and was loved. I adore that childhood photo of her in the pink. This is a treasure.
Please convey to Eric, and of course you, that I am so sorry for your loss. So many tough things this year — I’m sorry something like this had to be one of them.
Beautiful memories of a beautiful lady. Sending prayers and condolences to you and your family.
Dear Laura, this was a loving and beautiful tribute to a lovely lady. Sincere condolences to your entire family.
Beautiful tribute…
What a lovely woman. How blessed you all were to have her in your lives.
I am very sorry for the loss of your dear one – she was beautiful and this is a wonderful tribute. My Dad is turning 95 on November 8th; I never got to know grandparents outside of only 1 briefly because my parents married so much later in life. What a blessing it is to live to one’s 90s – it is our hope that when Dad’s time comes, it will also be there in the home next door where Mom passed 2 years prior. Blessings to you and yours and my condolences.
Love, Linda
Deepest sympathy to you and your entire family Laura.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
May God comfort you all. Very sorry for your loss. Loved the pictures. Well put post. Blessings to you,d