Joyce Elaine Whitaker (90) always knew what she wanted, and on September 20, 2022, she met Jesus face-to-face and was reunited with the love of her life at the age of 90 years old.

She was born to Truman and Beula Parker on July 10, 1932. A lifelong resident of Madera, Joyce attended local schools and was a graduate of Madera Union High School. Joyce grew up being involved in Eastern Star and the Rainbow Girls. Joyce and Ray grew up as next-door neighbors, and she always knew she wanted to one day marry him. On July 15, 1951, they were married in Madera, where they made their home and stayed for their nearly 70-year marriage.

While in business, Joyce worked as the bookkeeper and part deliverer at Whitaker’s Auto Wrecking. Her full-time job was raising two sons, Tom and Doug, who live in Madera. Her pride and joy were her kids and grandkids, whom she loved very much.

Joyce was one of a kind and was loved by all who knew her. Her smile and laugh were infectious, and she had a whistle that could be heard for miles. Joyce loved being around people, especially her husband, Ray. She loved traveling, and they traveled the world together. Joyce also had the voice of an angel and loved singing hymns at church or at home.

While our hearts are heavy and missing her already, Joyce will live on in our memories every day and with every order of her favorite biscuits and gravy, we have. Our time with our loved ones is never enough, but we can celebrate in knowing we will be reunited again.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Whitaker, daughter-in-law, Susan Whitaker, brother Truman Parker, sister-in-law, Alice Parker, and her parents.

Joyce is survived by her two sons, Tom and Doug, and her daughter-in-law Janet. She also leaves behind her granddaughters Monica, Stephanie and her husband David, Lora and her husband Angel, and grandson Evan and his wife, Alice.

A visitation will be held on Monday, September 26, 2022, from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm at Jay Chapel in Madera, CA.

A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, at 10:00 am at Jay Chapel in Madera, CA.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Scottish Rite Speech & Language Disorders Center, 1435 L St, Fresno, CA 93721 or your favorite charity.

The service will be broadcast live on Tuesday, September 27th, at 10:00 am on the Jay Chapel website tribute for Joyce Whitaker.