Joyce Estella Furman Yancey's Obituary
Joyce Estella Furman Yancey, age 86 of Gainesville, passed away peacefully from complications of a stroke on June 4th, 2015 with her son and daughter by her side. She was born September 5th, 1928 in Fostoria, Ohio to the late Gilbert J. Furman and Frances Stella Elliott. Shortly thereafter the family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, where she was raised and attended school. Following her Graduation from Port Huron High School in June 1945, she and her family moved to Lakeland, Florida where she met and married her husband of 66 years W. Bruce Yancey, Sr. in September 1948 at All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland.
After attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland she initially worked at Florida National Bank until leaving to raise her children. In the early 1970s she became Business Manager of Golden Triangle Asphalt Paving Company in St. Petersburg, FL with her husband Bruce serving as President. Following their retirement they moved from Clearwater, FL to Gainesville, FL in 1989 where she enjoyed visiting with friends, playing bridge and an occasional round of golf, watching the University of Florida Gators in basketball and football, and spending time with her family. She loved being with her three grandchildren, spending countless hours with them baking cookies, visiting beaches and parks, travelling to Disney World, volunteering at their schools, and playing a variety of board and card games, serving as a wonderful role model and inspiration to them.
She is survived by daughter Barbara (Jim) TenBieg, son W. Bruce Yancey, Jr. (Judy M.), and grandchildren Tyler Yancey TenBieg, Kali Frances TenBieg, and Leah Arrielle TenBieg.
She was preceded in death by her parents Gilbert in 1955 and Frances in 1974, by brothers Gilbert in 2006, Kenneth in 1984, and Lloyd in 1918, by sisters Velma in 1999, Catherine in 2000, and Pat in 2007, and by her best friend and sweetheart, husband Bruce, in October 2014.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held privately for the immediate family at St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church in Newberry, FL. As were her wishes, her earthly remains shall be cremated and placed in a poplar vessel made by her son Bruce Jr. The burial and graveside service for the family will occur at the family gravesite at Oak Hill Cemetery in Lakeland, FL at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorials to Haven Hospice, 4200 NW 90th Boulevard, Gainesville, FL 32606.
A caring and compassionate spirit, she always placed others’ needs and concerns before her own providing comfort, solace and love to all.
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