Joyce Mae Wright, affectionately known as "Mom" or "Mom Joyce" to many, gained her heavenly wings on October 27, 2024, at her home in Hurlock. She was surrounded by her eldest grandson LP, her brother Walter, and her sister-in-law Tara.

Joyce was born in Talbot County on November 14, 1944, to the late Robert Elliott Sr. and the late Luvenia Wilson. Those instrumental in Joyce's upbringing included the late James and Leah Peak, whom she affectionately referred to as her "Dad" and "Mom"; her late sisters Corrine and Elizabeth; her late brother, Albert and her late sister-in-law, Evelyn.

Joyce was educated in the Caroline County and Talbot County Public School systems. She was previously employed with Yale Sportswear and William Hill Manor.  She later provided private caregiving services for the Schubert, Hill, and Palmer families. Joyce was a previous member of Scott's United Methodist Church in Trappe.  She later joined Bethel A.M.E. Church in Easton during the early 2000s where she was quite active until her health began to fail earlier this year.

Bowling was second nature to Joyce as she excelled as a member of the Chesapeake Pioneers League during the 1980s and 90s. Joyce was an avid fan of the Baltimore Orioles and the Baltimore Ravens. As Secretary of the Red Hat Society's Serenity Hearts Chapter # 800186, Joyce passionately fulfilled her duties and was a proud member during the last five years. Joyce was always impeccably styled and known for her elegance as well as wearing the most beautiful hats. She loved to celebrate all holiday seasons. As part of celebrating, she elaborately decorated her home and her sisters' homes. Joyce adored spending time and eating dinner with her family.  Each day, she awaited to receive inspirational messages from her friend, Connie Elliott.  Joyce also eagerly anticipated weekly shopping trips to Rose's with her devoted best friend of over seventy years, Florence Outlaw. In her final earthly days, Joyce was lovingly cared for by Dinah, LP, Taneesha, Florence, Childlene, and Cheri.

Waiting for Joyce at the heavenly gates are her fathers; Robert Elliott Sr., James Peck, and John Walter Murray; her mothers: Luvenia Wilson and Leah Peck; brothers: Albert Elliott and Robert Henry Elliott; sisters: Pauline Moaney, Elizabeth Friend, Corrine Blackwell and Shirley Murray; daughters: Shauntae Palmer and Cherita Williams, and godson, Jason Wilson.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memories her daughter, Dinah Wilson (Joe); son-in-law, Jason Williams (Cherie); grandsons: Leonard Palmer II and Grant Williams; a bonus son, Leonard Greene; her brothers: William Murray (Joy), Walter Murray (Tara), Breon Murray, Darnell Murray, Roland Murray (Gladys); her sisters: Ida Kay Jackson (Willie), Vivian Murray Massey, and Darlene Barney (Jerome); goddaughter,  Taneesha DeShields (Demetrae); exceptional friends: Florence Outlaw, Sylvia Sampson, Gladys Fields, Jack and Gina Schubert, Childlene Brooks, Ruth Ann Murray, Cheri Thomas, Chad Hill, and Doris Robinson, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and many friends.

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/

Save the Children
500 Kings Highway East Suite 400, Fairfield CT 06825
Tel: 1-800-544-4470
Web: http://www.savethechildren.org/