Joyce Carter

Joyce Marie (Austin Lofland) Carter, who was affectionately called “Joycie” was born in Federalsburg, Maryland, on Thursday, October 21, 1943 to the late John T. and Hattie B. Austin. Joyce completed her life’s journey at her home on Saturday, September 9, 2017. Joyce grew up in the city of Federalsburg. She graduated Lockerman High School, Denton, Maryland. Later in life, Joyce obtained her associate's degree from the Christian Life School of Theology and Seminary. In her younger years, Joyce was a member of Zion Methodist Church in Federalsburg. Joyce dedicated her life to Christ while attending Christ Church of Universal Love, Hurlock, Maryland, where her sister, Dorothy Jean Jones, was pastor. Joyce was a dedicated member of Christ Church of Universal Love and was ordained missionary where she taught Sunday School and directed The Children's Choir to harmonize and rejoice in praising the Lord. In the 80’s, Joyce joined Calvary Baptist Church, Dover, Delaware, under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Richard M. Avant. She faithfully served as a Sunday School and Bible Study teacher as well as on the hospitality and floral committee. Joyce worked for Kraft Foods Dover, Delaware, for 28 years as a Quality Analyst. After retiring from Kraft, she worked for Bennie Smith Funeral Home for over ten years as an assistant to the bereaved. Joyce was a confident, sweet and kind woman that loved to serve and help others. She truly loved the Lord and would speak of His goodness wherever she went. There wasn't a place that Joyce didn't go where she didn't know somebody or somebody didn't know her. Joyce loved and adored her family and would organize the family gathering as often as she could each "Fifth Sunday". To know her was a true blessing. She enjoyed running and walking in her later years. In addition to her parents, Joyce Marie Carter is preceded in death by her son, James A. Lofland, Jr.; three sisters, Ruthie Austin, Dorothy Jones, and Mary Pullen; six bothers, Nelson and Johnny K. Alston, Andrew, George, David and Joseph Austin. Joyce leaves to cherish, one daughter, Kimberly DeShields (Timothy) of Townsend, DE; a brother, James H. Austin (Brenda) of Lanham, MD; sisters-in-law, Alice, Bernice, Edwina, Rev. Janice and Jean Austin; grandsons, Jatwan Black (Danielle) of Harrisburg, PA, Jerenzo Redmond of Washington, D.C., Dorian DeShields of Newark, DE, Jadon and Zion DeShields of Townsend, DE; an adoptive daughter, CaShana Howell-Simmons (Brandon) of Dover, DE; and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Lovingly Submitted, The Family To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joyce Carter, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Joyce Carter

October 21, 1943 - September 9, 2017