Joyce Walker’s generosity knew no bounds. A cancer survivor, devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, she lived her life with open arms and an open heart—always giving, always caring. Even in her passing, she continued her legacy through the gift of tissue donation.
To know her was to love her. Whether you’ve known her for 20 years or just 20 minutes, she made you feel like an old friend. She never met a stranger, leaving a lasting impression on everyone with her warm personality and unwavering kindness. She gave her all to anyone in need. Together with her husband of over 50 years, Lee, Joyce raised their children, Craig and LeeAnn, to treat the custodian with the same respect as the CEO. She often spoke about the importance of organ and tissue donation, encouraging her family to consider the gift of life.
“My parents taught us that it doesn’t matter where someone is in life,” said LeeAnn. “They deserve kindness and respect.”
Joyce’s generosity extended far beyond words. One of their favorite pastimes was volunteering as camp hosts in Washington State Parks. They would assist guests by helping them set up their trailers, providing firewood, and sharing recommendations for local activities. Through it all, Lee was Joyce’s adventure partner.
At home, Joyce’s generosity was boundless. She and Lee welcomed people into their home when they had no place to go, offering them a safe place to stay. She believed that family was more than just biology, embracing those in need as her own. It was a lesson in compassion that her children carry with them to this day.
LeeAnn is especially grateful for the opportunity to raise her sons, Avery and Anthony, in a multi-generational home. As a single mom for 20 years, she cherished having her parents as additional support to her and her children. Joyce adored her grandsons, playing endless games of dominoes, which also became a fun way for them to learn how to count. She had a feisty and playful personality, often sparking laughter to the point of tears.
Whether cheering from the sidelines at a Little League game or celebrating her grandsons’ accomplishments, Joyce was their biggest supporter. She showed up, she cared, and she loved with her whole heart.
Despite multiple battles with breast cancer, Joyce faced each challenge with strength. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her belief that generosity could change lives. She was determined to be a donor but was concerned that years of cancer treatment and medication would make it impossible. Still, she refused to give up on hope.
And in the end, she achieved what she had once thought was out of reach—she became a donor. Joyce was able to donate tissue for transplant, ensuring that her kindness and compassion would continue to touch the lives of others.
“She believed—and taught me—that you never know how you might impact the life of a stranger,” said LeeAnn. “You can change someone’s entire trajectory just by being kind.”
Joyce Walker lived a life of generosity, and even in her passing, she gave the ultimate gift—the gift of healing. Her legacy of kindness will continue, not just in the lives she touched, but in the lives she continues to save.