Joyce Elaine Duvall
May 13, 1952 - October 24, 2024
Joyce Elaine Duvall, a beacon of compassion and dedication in her community, passed away on October 24, 2024, due to an accidental fall in White, GA. Born on May 13, 1952, in Camden, NJ, Joyce grew into a woman whose very essence was to nurture and care for those around her. Her warmth and generosity touched the lives of many, and her legacy will be cherished forever.
Joyce's educational journey at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst was just the beginning of what would become a lifelong commitment to service. Her passion for helping others found its true calling in 2006 when she became a founding member and the Executive Director of Christopher's Haven Boston, a charitable organization that has provided a comforting residence for over 2,000 families with children undergoing cancer treatments from 25 different countries. Joyce's leadership and vision were instrumental in creating a sanctuary for those in the midst of their toughest battles.
In 2020, Joyce extended her heartfelt mission, founding and serving as the Executive Director of Christopher's Haven Atlanta until her untimely passing. Her favorite quote, "We Rise by Lifting Others" by Robert Ingersoll, perfectly encapsulated the ethos by which she lived. She embodied this sentiment through every act of kindness and every initiative she led, lifting countless others during their times of need.
Joyce's zest for life was paralleled by her love for the culinary arts. An accomplished chef, she found joy in exploring food and took great pleasure in entertaining friends and family. Her gatherings were known not only for their delicious fare but also for the warmth and love that seasoned every dish. Her home was a reflection of her varied interests - from her collections of Santa figures, china, crystal, and silver of all kinds, to the cherished memories of time spent at the seashore and Cape Cod, which held a special place in her heart.
Joyce's family was the cornerstone of her world. She is survived by her loving husband, Bill Duvall; her sons, Benjamin Duvall, William (BJ) Duvall, and Joel Lee; her daughter, Brittany Duvall, and seven grandchildren. Each of them carries a spark of Joyce's spirit and her nurturing love. They will continue to honor her memory by living out the values she instilled in them.
Joyce Elaine Duvall's life was a testament to the power of kindness, the strength of community, and the impact one person can have on the world. Her tireless work, boundless love, and commitment to lifting others have left an indelible mark that will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she has left this world, the light of her legacy will continue to shine brightly, guiding and inspiring generations to come.
PRELUDE
Adagio cantabile from Sonata No. 8 in C Minor, Op. 13 Ludwig van Beethoven
Air from Orchestral Suite No. 3
J.S. Bach
Largo from Concerto in D Minor Antonio Vivaldi
GATHERING
Standing
Welcome in the name of Jesus the Savior, who died and was raised to new life by the grace of God. We are gathered here to worship, to remember before God our sister, Joyce Duvall, to give thanks for her life, to commend her to our merciful redeemer, and to comfort one another in our grief.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the source of all mercy and the God of all consolation. He comforts us in all our sorrows so that we can comfort others in their sorrows with the consolation we ourselves have received from God. | Thanks be to God.
THANKSGIVING FOR BAPTISM
When we were baptized in Christ Jesus, we were baptized into his death. We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might live a new life.
For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
ACCLAMATION
Eternal God, maker of heaven and earth, who formed us from the dust of the earth, who by your breath gave us life, we glorify you. | We glorify you.
Jesus Christ, the resurrection and the life, who suffered death for all humanity, who rose from the grave to open the way to eternal life, we praise you. | We praise you.
Holy Spirit, author and giver of life, the comforter of all who sorrow, our sure confidence and everlasting hope, we worship you. | We worship you.
To you, O blessed Trinity, be glory and honor, forever and ever. | Amen.
WORD
God speaks to us in scripture reading, preaching, and song.
GREETING
The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. | And also with you.
PRAYER OF THE DAY
O God of grace and glory, we remember before you today our sister, Joyce. We thank you for giving her to us to know and to love as a companion in our pilgrimage on earth. In your boundless compassion, console us who mourn. Give us faith to see that death has been swallowed up in the victory of our Lord Jesus Christ, so that we may live in confidence and hope until, by your call, we are gathered to our heavenly home in the company of all your saints; through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord. | Amen.
Seated REMEMBRANCES
Brittany Duvall, daughter
MUSICAL INTERLUDE
Sheep May Safely Graze from Cantata 208 J.S. Bach
SCRIPTURE READINGS
Psalm 42
Read by Benjamin Duvall, son
Romans 8:35-39
Read by Susan Cordell, sister-in-law
GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
THE HOLY GOSPEL
Mark 10:42-45
Before the Gospel: The Holy Gospel according to Mark the 10th chapter. | Glory to you, O Lord.
After the Gospel is read: The Holy Gospel of the Lord. | Praise to you, O Christ.
Seated HOMILY
Standing HYMN 779
Amazing Grace
Pastor Mark H. Larson
Kneeling or Seated PRAYERS OF INTERCESSION PRAYERS
Let us pray to our Lord Jesus Christ who said, “I am the resurrection and the life.”
Jesus, full of compassion, you consoled Martha and Mary in their distress; draw near to us who mourn for Joyce and dry the tears of those who weep.
In your mercy, | hear our prayer.
Jesus, man of sorrows, you wept at the grave of Lazarus your friend; comfort us who mourn.
In your mercy, | hear our prayer.
Jesus, firstborn of the new creation, you raised the dead; give to our sister, Joyce, life eternal.
In your mercy, | hear our prayer.
Jesus, friend of sinners, you promised paradise to the repentant thief; bring Joyce to the joys of heaven.
In your mercy, | hear our prayer.
Jesus, wellspring of life, you washed our sister in baptism and anointed her with the Holy Spirit; give her communion with all your saints.
In your mercy, | hear our prayer.
Jesus, bread of life, you nourished Joyce at your table on earth;
Welcome her at your table in the realm of heaven.
In your mercy, | hear our prayer.
Jesus, bright morning star, comfort us in our sorrows at the death of Joyce: let our faith be our consolation, and eternal life our hope. In your mercy, | hear our prayer.
God of all grace, we give you thanks because by his death our Savior Jesus Christ destroyed the power of death and by his resurrection opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. Make us certain that because he lives we shall live also, and that neither death nor life, nor things present nor things to come shall be able to separate us from your love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. | Amen.
Lord, remember us in your kingdom and teach us to pray.
LORD’S PRAYER
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.
Standing PEACE
The peace of Christ be with you always. | And also with you.
Please share a sign of blessing with your fellow worshipers in whatever way is comfortable for you.
SENDING
God gives us grace and one another to go back out into the world.
COMMENDATION
Let us commend Joyce into the mercy of God, our maker and redeemer.
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant Joyce. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a child of your house, a lamb of your own flock, a daughter of your own love.
Receive her into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. | Amen.
Seated
POSTLUDE
Toccata from Symphony V Charles-Marie Widor
Go in peace, God is with you. | Thanks be to God.
An inurnment service will follow immediately in the Columbarium. The family would like to invite everyone to a time of refreshment and fellowship in the Sims Atrium
Officiant: Rev. Mark H. Larson
Organist: Sarah Hawbecker