Joyce Elaine McKenzie, was called home August 7, 2015 after an 18-month battle with cancer.  Born March 21, 1937 she was a tiny woman, who had the spirit of a warrior and lived her life with grace always in service of others.  An amazing role model we will remember her caring and generous nature; the friendships nurtured and the family bonds strengthened. 
    Joyce was born and raised in Missouri and came to California as a young bride first to Escalon before settling in Manteca with her husband Asa and three children. Joyce loved children and became unofficial “Aunt” to many who crossed her doorway.  She also had a special affinity with the aged and thoroughly enjoyed a second career as a CNA at Bethany Home in Ripon.  Joyce cherished her grandchildren and was actively involved in their lives making very special memories.  She could often be found at soccer games, concerts and many other extra-curricular activities, made countless trips to Disneyland and Lake Tahoe and in recent years hosting trips to Hawaii, Pennsylvania and Missouri.  She loved to travel rarely passing an opportunity to do so and was an avid baseball fan always cheering for the San Francisco Giants.
She freely gave of her time and energy volunteering at Doctors Hospital of Manteca and the Manteca Senior Center as well as committing to her love of God and country.  A devoted member of Sequoia Heights Baptist Church, Joyce quietly served and honored her Lord in countless ways. 
    Her joys changed throughout her life but the constant was love of family and love of her Lord Jesus Christ.   Joyce loved her life and she leaves a remarkable legacy of love.  Although she had her share of sorrow her faith never wavered and joy always triumphed.  She will be so deeply missed.
Joyce joins her husband Asa, parents Bill and Margaret Baker, and daughter Cara in Heaven and leaves behind her daughter Twila and husband Paul; son Bret and wife Irene; son-in-law Norbert Lourenco; brothers Delbert Baker, Glen Baker, Harold Baker, Larry Baker, beloved granddaughters Danielle, Tawnya, Jacqueline, Abigail, Anabelle, and Allison, great-granddaughter Maggie, Paul’s children Mary, Sheila, Angie, Stacey and Jamie, grandchildren Jeremy, Misty, Crystal, Kayla, Ryan, Michael, Todd and Heather, great-granddaughters Kinzlee and Autumn and many nieces and nephews.
   P.L Fry and son is honored to be serving the McKenzie family. A graveside service will be held at 10am Thursday, August 13, 2015 at East Union Cemetery, in Manteca, followed by a celebration of life at Sequoia Heights Baptist Church, 1050 S. Union Road, Manteca, CA.  In lieu of flowers, Joyce has asked that donations be made to Doctors Hospital of Manteca Auxiliary:  ATTN:  Scholarship and Sequoia Heights Baptist Church. .. An online guest book is available for condolences at www.plfryandson.com (Search Obituaries).

Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Tuesday, August 11, 2015