Joyce Romaine (Elliott) Johnson

Joyce Romaine Elliott-Johnson was born on November 11, 1944, to the late Elsie Marie and Raymond Elliott Sr. She was the eldest of four children born to this union. After the passing of her mother when she was just five years old, Joyce and her siblings went to live with their paternal grandparents until their father remarried. From this second union, Joyce gained two sisters and two brothers.

Joyce began her education in a one-room schoolhouse in Pondtown before transferring to Kennard Elementary School. She also attended Sunday School and Bible School at Pondtown Methodist Church. After graduating from Kennard High School, she moved to Washington, D.C., to attend Cortez Peters Business College, where she studied clerical skills. Joyce met and began dating her high school sweetheart, Clarence, who would later become her beloved husband. Together, they welcomed their first daughter, Tonya.

Joyce worked as a teacher’s aide in the school system before securing a position at Westinghouse, now known as Northrop Grumman, where she worked for many years until her retirement. During this time, she and Clarence had added two more daughters to their family, Vonda and Joyneka.

Joyce was a proud member of the Grasonville Social Club. She loved her family deeply and was considered the matriarch—always keeping everyone in line with love and grace. She had a keen sense of style, always presenting herself beautifully and taking pride in dressing up. Joyce also enjoyed sewing and creating floral arrangements. 

Later in life, Joyce was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Though the disease caused her pain, she never complained. She bravely carried this burden for 20 years. Throughout it all, Clarence was her devoted caregiver, who ensured that she was comfortable. Joyce’s strength, elegance, and unconditional love leave a lasting legacy in the hearts of all who knew her.

Joyce was preceded in death by her brothers; Raymond Elliott Jr., Samuel Wilson, and Reginald Boyer, and sister, Alice Woodland, and stepmother, Marvel Elliott.

She leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Clarence Johnson, daughters; Tonya Johnson Young (Michael Young) of Covington, GA, Vonda Johnson of Middletown, DE, Joyneka Moals (Shaun Moals), Millington, MD, sisters, Mayola Banks of Philadelphia, PA, Shirley Bowser of Philadelphia, PA, Zelma Elliott of Philadelphia, PA, Faye Elliott of Centreville, MD, brothers; Robert Elliott, Sr. (Wanda Elliott) of Philadelphia, PA, Antone Black of Chestertown, MD, Michael Jefferson (Audrey Jefferson) of Millsboro, DE, Gregory Elliott (Linda Elliott) of Smyrna, DE, brother-in-law, Larry Johnson, dearly beloved by her six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

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