Joyce Mae Forsey

Joyce Forsey

Richfield, Utah

Our beloved mother, Joyce Mae Williamson Forsey, 81, returned home to our Heavenly Father on August 25, 2019. She was born on November 3, 1937 in Ash, North Carolina to parents John and Lovridge Bennett Williamson. She was raised by her loving aunt, Penny Formyduval, as her mother passed away weeks after her birth. Her father was left to care for the older children. Growing up in rural North Carolina was both idyllic and difficult. She remembers having to learn to work hard and contribute to the family’s welfare; but also having good times with friends and extended family alike.

After high school, she attended college for a semester at East Carolina University. Fate had other plans, however, and she soon met a handsome Air Force Lieutenant from Richfield, Utah at church, namely James K. Forsey. Before long, Joyce and Jim were engaged, and she left the south to travel to Utah and marry her sweetheart. They were married on December 27, 1956 in the Manti Temple. Jim preceded her in death May 5, 2016.

Joyce and Jim made their home in Richfield, Utah, as Jim was Richfield born and bred, a proud citizen of Sevier County! They have 5 children: Craig Forsey, Morristown, TN; Angela (Brent) McLaws, Highland; Jerry Forsey, St. George; Allyson (Ted) Passey, Chantilly, VA; and Mark (Traci) Forsey, Nibley.

Joyce quickly became known for her fabulous cooking – especially fried chicken, apple pie, orange rolls, and chocolate chip cookies; and for her well-kept happy home. Some of her other talents included gardening, sewing, and serving others. She was kind, thoughtful, and always willing to help those in need. Once her children were all in school, she worked for several local businesses, a dentist and an eye doctor as a receptionist and office assistant.

She is a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where she humbly served in many church callings.

Like many, Joyce has had challenges with her health. At the young age of 61, she had a fairly severe stroke, which changed the course of her life significantly. She fought hard to regain her health and independence, but continued struggles with additional illnesses, filtered through the stroke prism were difficult. Nerve damage and pain were her constant companions. Our mom was a fighter and fought valiantly. We are very thankful for the nursing and hospice staff at Central Utah Veterans Hospital in Payson, Utah where they were so kind and skilled in taking care of all our mother’s needs while she was a resident there for over three years. These kind care givers became a second family to Mom.

She is loved by her children; 17 grandchildren and19 great-grandchildren; twin sister Lois; brother Curtis; daughter-in-law, Kristi Forsey; and other wonderful family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband; parents; brothers: Ulysses, Hollis, Eugene, Odell, John, and Glen Williamson; sister, Madelene Register; and daughter-in-law Lisa Forsey.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 7, 2019 at 12:00 Noon in the Richfield 9th Ward Chapel,159 North 400 West. Friends may call from 6-7 p.m. Friday evening at the Magleby Mortuary and Saturday morning at the ward chapel from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Burial will be in the Richfield City Cemetery. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com