Joyce Carolyn Brooks was born Aug. 31, 1929, in Seattle, Washington, to Glen Allen Griffith and Thelma Ovedia Hanson (Griffith). She passed away on July 18, 2022. Joyce grew up with two siblings, Normand Griffith and Sally Ann Griffith. She attended Garfield High School in Seattle and graduated in 1947.
On Nov. 15, 1947, she married Eldon Eugene Warrell in Kentucky. They spent 26 years together, and had two children, Suzanne Marie and Sandra Jean. She was widowed in 1973. Joyce was remarried on May 27, 1976, to Clayton Robert Brooks in Kent, Washington.
Joyce worked as a bank teller at BECU and a secretary for Boeing, retiring in 1989. She was active in the Independent Order of Forester Lodge activities for many years as the secretary and chief ranger. She traveled to many states with her girls. In 1977, she earned her pilot’s license and flew Cherokee and Musketeer airplanes. They made trips to San Diego, Reno and Wisconsin. Joyce bought a sailboat in 1982 and tried to be a good sailor. In 1991, she started RVing with a 15 foot trailer and graduated to a 32 foot fifth-wheel. She spent winters in Yuma, Arizona.
Joyce was active following Clayton’s airplane activities. She also loved bowling, sewing, embroidery and quilting. Her furry little friend, Manny, continues to wag his tail in memory of her.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Glen and Thelma Griffith, sister Sally Ann, brother Normand (Bud) Griffith, husbands Eldon (Bud) Warrell and Clayton Robert (Bob) Brooks, grandson Justin James Markus and great-granddaughter Hayley J.M. Ralph.
She is survived by daughters Suzanne Schantz and Sandra (Corey) Markus; stepsons Kevin (Stacy) Brooks and Kurt Brooks; granddaughters Angie (Todd) Savage, Sarah (Brent) Schantz and Samantha EK; grandsons Gabriel Schantz and Christopher (Kayla) Markus; seven great-grandsons Cole, Shievas, Asher, Baker, Ollie, Odin and Waylon; four step-great-grandsons; many nieces and nephews; and her Dachshund Manny, who she loved dearly.
The family would like to thank Silver Acres, Danae, Jahnel and all the caregivers for their wonderful care and love for our mom in her final months, and Assured Home Health Hospice.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Aug. 8, 2022, at Bonney Watson Washington Memorial, Sea Tac, Washington. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel.
