Joyce Elaine Burrell

Joyce Elaine Reed Burrell was born January 14, 1941 in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late William Tolson Reed and Elizabeth Portia Reed. She was baptized at an early age at Saint Francis Xavier Catholic Church, where she later worked for several years as the church secretary. She was also a member of the girls’ basketball and softball teams, and the Catholic Youth Organization. Joyce graduated from Dunbar High School in 1958 and attended both Morgan and Coppin State Colleges. She was married in October 1959 to Roland Clifton Burrell, Jr. From this union, four children, Cheryl, Angela, Roland III, and Michael, were born. A lover of books, Joyce was proud of her work at the Enoch Pratt Library. She also worked at the Solo Cup Company and, eventually, retired from the Social Security Administration. She was an active member of Saint Gregory the Great Catholic Church for many years and traveled extensively. Her travels included, among others, Hawaii, Egypt, Switzerland, Austria, the Caribbean, Mexico, Canada, Italy, and the Vatican. Joyce loved working with people, especially children. She was a hard worker who loved to sew, cook, and entertain. She was an avid jigsaw and crossword puzzle devotee. In her later years, she was a fan of classic movies. A dog lover, she adored her late dogs Muffin and Pepper, and her “grand dogs” Jack, Avery, Pip, and Buddy. The greatest loves of her life were her children and grandchildren. After a long struggle with disability and illness, Joyce transitioned home, beyond pain, on September 30, 2017. She will be remembered for her unique voice, generosity, and ability to make others smile. In addition to her children, Joyce is survived by her grandchildren Stephanie and Melissa Brown, and Kyle, Zoe, and Matias Burrell; Daughter-in-law, Ireti Burrell; Sisters Yvonne Hynson and Ernestine Scott; Brothers William Reed Jr and Wayne Reed; Brother-in-law Emerson Burrell; Sisters-in-law Lorraine Reed, Bernadette Burrell, Valerie Horne, and Martina Reed; Aunt, Ernestine Mayo; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends. She was pre-deceased by her sisters Portia and Patricia. In lieu of flowers, her family asks that donations be made to her favorite charities: American Diabetes Association, American Heart Association, St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, and the Wounded Warrior Project.

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Joyce Elaine Burrell

January 14, 1941 - September 30, 2017