Joyce Allred Durham Rosen

JOYCE ALLRED DURHAM ROSEN

Joyce Arlene Allred was born on March 28, 1921 in Kansas City, Kansas to Maitland and Cecile (Weeks) Allred. Joyce had two older brothers, Lamar and Kenneth; one younger sister, Frances; and one younger brother, Earle, all of whom preceded her in death.

Joyce spent her growing-up years in Berrien Springs, Michigan. She graduated from Emmanuel Missionary College Academy in 1939. Upon graduation from high school, she trained as a beautician and worked in that profession for several years though she always said the only profession she ever truly wanted was to be a wife and mother; and, since the age of 16, she was very sure who her husband would be. Her dream came true on December 4, 1943 when she married Lt. Lawrence W. Durham in Moultrie, Georgia where he was stationed with the United States Army Air Corps as a flight instructor.

After moving back to Michigan, more blessings followed over the next several years as three sons were born to make Joyce the mom she always wanted to be. Larry, Bob and Terry completed the family and they were the pride and joy of Joyce and Lawrence.

Tragically, on July 23, 1954, at the age of 34, Lawrence was killed when the private plane in which he was a passenger went down in the hills of Tennessee.

After several years raising her boys alone, she began seeing a gentleman from church who would become her second husband. On January 16, 1958, she married Melvin Rosen. Melvin’s two daughters, Marcia and Patsy, became part of this new blended family as well. Joyce was blessed again as it was evident to all that Melvin was totally devoted to her, his daughters and step-sons. Their marriage lasted for 53 years until his death on April 16, 2011.

After Melvin’s death, Joyce lived with her son (Larry) and daughter-in-law (Merry Kay) for four years and spent the last three years at Porter Place in Denver, Colorado, where she was dearly loved by the staff, her caregivers and many friends. She enjoyed reading, keeping up with family and friends on Facebook, watching Rockies games, playing Bingo, and always had a jigsaw puzzle in progress.

Joyce died peacefully at Porter Hospice on June 24, 2018 at the age of 97.

A memorial service was held August 3 at Porter Place. Inurnment will be in Rose Hill Cemetery, Berrien Springs. Local arrangements were by Allred Funeral Home. www.allredfuneralhome.com.