Joyce Berthe (Porret) Jones

Joyce Berthe Porret Jones was born Sunday, April 30, 1944, to David Charles Porret & Berthe Julie Jacot Porret in St. Maries, Idaho. She died peacefully in her home on November 2, 2024, at age 80.

Joyce was the youngest of 3 sisters. Her two older sisters were surprised to return from Sunday meeting to a new baby sister but doted on her throughout her childhood. Joyce attended school in St. Maries and graduated salutatorian from St. Maries High School. She went on to follow her sisters to Whitworth College in Spokane where she studied Business and Home Economics. During her time in Spokane, she met Robert A. Jones who was a serviceman in the USAF, stationed at Fairchild AFB. Again, following her sisters’ examples, just after her graduation from Whitworth with her bachelor’s degree, she & Robert married on June 10, 1968, and moved to Seattle where Robert was employed with Boeing.

Joyce went on to achieve her master’s degree in education at Whitworth and Robert would make weekend trips to see her in Spokane. Joyce then taught for a couple of years before taking off to be a homemaker and raising their children, Jayne and David. After Robert was injured at work, Joyce returned to the workforce, working in the business world as an administrative assistant. After much encouragement from friends, Joyce returned to the teaching profession in 1993 teaching at Kent View Christian school as an elementary school teacher where she taught until 2010 when she retired.

In her retirement she volunteered at Cascade Camp Cedarbrook as a Camper in Leadership Training instructor and camper follow-up coordinator. She also volunteered at the American Cancer Discovery Shop in West Seattle and attended Bible Study Fellowship.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister Elizabeth. She is survived by her daughter, Jayne & husband Larry, and son, David, her sister, Mary Jane Balsiger and her nieces, Lisa (Mark) & Julie (Richard). Joyce was a devoted, caring mother and friend to many who will be greatly missed.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 23, 11 am at Highline Christian Church, 14859 1st Ave South, Burien, WA 98168. There will be an open mic opportunity for sharing stories of Joyce. Please also bring a memory of how Joyce inspired, influenced or touched your life. You can also share your memory by emailing her daughter at JandL721@msn.com.

Remembrances may be made to Cascade Camp Cedarbrook ( www.cascadecampcedarbrook.com/donate ) in honor of “Puffin” for camper follow-up materials and camp promotion.

Arrangements entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Home of West Seattle