Born in Pikeville, KY to Daisibel and Robert Walters.  She attended Pikeville Elementary School.  Every day in high school she climbed up 99 steps to attend Pikeville College Academy where her grandmother was a member of the first graduating class.  Joyce graduated from the academy in 1951 and was a cheerleader for four years.

She then went to Transylvania College where she majored in physical education.  Joyce was a member of the Women's Athletic Association and a member of Delta Delta Delta Sorority serving as President for a year.  She graduated in 1955.

Joyce taught one year in Fayette County, KY and then moved to Henderson, KY.  After teaching there she returned to school at the University of Kentucky to add Elementary Certification to her certificate.

In 1959 she accepted a position at Beachland Elementary School and moved to Vero Beach, FL.  In 1960 she married John DuMars.  They had two sons John Michael and James Martin.

During her 30 plus years of teaching she taught kindergarten, 5th and 6th grades, and physical education.  In 1985 she received her Masters Degree from Nova University.  Through the years she taught at nine different schools and ended her career as an Elementary Specialist now titled Assistant Principal.  Her first love was always Kindergarten.

She was active in Indian River County Education Association and served several years as Treasurer.  She served as President of Beta Sigma Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma and the Early Childhood Organizations.

In 1966 she was listed as one of the Distinguished Young Women of America.  In 1990 she was one of five finalists for Indian River County Teacher of the Year.  Joyce retired in 1994.

After retirement she was an active member of The Retired Educators Association.  In 2009 and 2010 she was District 9's Volunteer of the Year.  She also was active in the Treasure Coast Pilot Club and she was president in 2009-2010.

Joyce was a member of the First Baptist Church of Vero Beach.  There she has served in the kitchen, been treasurer of the Joy Class and been chairperson of the Scholarship Committee.

Joyce found so many ways to give back to a world where she was loved as a mom, aunt, grand and great grandmother, friend and educator.

Celebration of her life will take place at a later date.  In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Joyce may be made to the Pilot Club of Vero Beach, Inc., PO Box 7049, Vero Beach, FL 32966.

Cox Gifford Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach is entrusted with arrangements.  An online guestbook for condolences is available at www.coxgiffordseawindsfh.com.