LIFE STORY
Joyce Alyce Chris was born November 19, 1942, in Louisville, Kentucky. She was the only daughter of the late Edna B. Scott and John H. Scott. At an early age, Joyce moved with her family to Coraopolis, Pennsylvania and once again at the age of 13 to Philadelphia. Joyce attended Sayre Junior High School and then West Philadelphia High School where she excelled in academics and was a member of the school orchestra playing the violin.
Joyce recognized her calling as a caregiver early on and fulfilled her aspirations of becoming a nurse by attending nursing school at Philadelphia General Hospital.
Joyce became a disciple of Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church on January 15, 1956, under the pastorate of the late Reverend Mansfield E. Jackson. She remained active giving dedicated service until she experienced her transition on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Joyce loved Mt. Pisgah where she actively participated in multiple ministries and roles such as Church Treasurer, Ladies Auxiliary Ushers (President), Junior & Young Adult Ushers (Supervisor), Annual Combined Ushers Sermon (Coordinator), devoted member of Church School and Bible Study, amongst others. Joyce was also a Trustee until she became Church Treasurer and was the 1st recipient of Mt. Pisgah’s Gaskin-Hopkins Pride Scholarship Fund, that originated in 1960 with the purpose of giving financial aid to the youth of Mt. Pisgah.
A “blind date” introduced Joyce to the love of her life, Lynn W. Criss Jr. and on June 20, 1964 they were united in marriage. The union was blessed with three children, Kelli, Lynn III and Leslie. The family also joined Mt. Pisgah. In her leisure, Joyce enjoyed spending time with her family, going on trips and attending events and activities with her grandchildren.
Joyce started her career at Giuffre Medical Center where she was employed for 33 years. She was a nurse manager in the prison unit and retired as Vice President of Nursing. She showed her determination and willingness to better herself through education by going back to school to obtain her Master’s Degree in Health Services Administration from the University of St. Francis in 1999.
On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, God called Joyce home, where she joins her husband Lynn and daughter Kelli who preceded her in death. Those left to cherish her memory include: her son, Lynn W. Criss III and wife Wendye; daughter, Leslie A. Criss; son-in-law, Eric Joyner; grandchildren, Chris Joyner, Justin Joyner, Tyler Criss, Tia Criss and Jasmin Criss; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.
Submitted With Love,
The Family
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