Joyce M. Beauchamp's Obituary
Joyce M. Beauchamp passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at Bay Health Center, Milford, DE. She was born on August 2, 1930, to George Lawrence Martin and Pearl (Clawson) Martin in Vienna, LA. It was in Shreveport, LA that she met and married William R. "Bill" Beauchamp of Lewes, DE while he was stationed there in the U. S. Air Force.
Bill's career in the military took Joyce and their three children to residences on or near air bases in 8 different states, Scotland and Okinawa. The family settled in Lewes in 1971 following Bill's retirement from the military. Joyce played a pivotal role in the couple's ownership and management of the Anglers Motel and Lewes Tours, Inc. The latter was a tourist-related business to acquaint visitors with the historical aspects of Lewes; it evolved into a transportation service for motel guests and river pilots to and from distant points. During this time the couple supported the Lewes Chamber of Commerce, with Bill serving a term as president and Joyce volunteering secretarial services.
A committed Christian, Joyce was an active member of Groome United Methodist Church, Lewes. She joined her husband in years of fostering the faith-sharing work of Crown Financial Ministries and Bearing Precious Seed. She was a member of Unity Chapter #16, Order of Eastern Star, a Lewes chapter of the Red Hats Society, and Lewes Historical Society.
Joyce lost her beloved husband of 56 years on October 28, 2007. She was also preceded in death by her parents and youngest child, Gwendolyn Beauchamp. Survived by: 3 children - Joyce Smith, Betty Brittingham, and William R. Beauchamp, Jr. and wife Lauri, all of Lewes; 6 grandchildren - Rachel Barragan and husband Patrick of Clovis, NM; Judith Brittingham, Billie Jo Cooper and husband Guy, Matthew Brittingham, Shelly Beauchamp of Brigantine, NJ, and John Beauchamp, all of Sussex County except as noted; 7 great-grandchildren - Katelyn Skinner, Ryan Skinner, Aubrey Barragan, Isiah Brittingham, Derek Brittingham, Braxton Cooper and Nathan Cooper; brother, "Bud" Martin and wife Doris of Minden, LA; sister, Donald Grice of Sibley, LA; and many nieces and nephews; and a host of friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, September 13, 10:00 AM, at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE with the Rev. William Hopkins officiating. Interment will follow the service at Lewes Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Kings Highway, Lewes. Friends may call at the funeral home on Friday, September 12, 6 PM to 8 PM.
In lieu of flowers,the family suggests memorial contributions be made to Groome United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 299, Lewes, DE 19958.
Send online condolences to: [email protected]
PDF Printable Version
What’s your fondest memory of Joyce?
What’s a lesson you learned from Joyce?
Share a story where Joyce's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Joyce you’ll never forget.
How did Joyce make you smile?