Joyce Larson

Norma Joyce Reed Larson was born March 2nd, 1931, in Safford, Arizona, at the house that her mother and grandmother lived in. She attended school in Safford and graduated from Safford High School in 1949. On June 1, 1950, she married Gene Robert Larson. They celebrated their 73rd anniversary this year. Joyce and Gene Robert were the parents of 6 children: Kent, Beverly, Dale, Susan, Daniel, and Mons. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a member of the Solomonville Ward since 1950. Some of the positions she held in the church were Primary President, Relief Society President, Activity Director, and Ward Organist. She loved the gospel of Jesus Christ and had a strong testimony of her Savior. She also served a church work mission to Bolivia with her husband, where she also served as the Primary President. She was known for her ability to cook delicious Mexican food and, at one time, had a home delivery business named Little Burro. Recently, she started having health problems due to her age. As time progressed, her health continued to deteriorate rapidly, and she passed away at home on October 18, 2023, surrounded by her children and other family members. She was preceded in death by her mother, (Grandma) Grace Wilson Norlin, and her grandmother, Edna Miranda Savage Wilson, a daughter-in-law, Sarina Nilson Larson, and a grandchild, Whitney Larson. She is survived by her six children, Kent (Rose) of Safford, Beverly Dekay (Eldon) of Anchorage, Alaska, Dale of Safford, Susan Garrett (LaRon) of Payson, Arizona, Daniel (Dana) of Boise, Idaho, and Mons (Alice) of Safford. She is also survived by 25 grandchildren, 75 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. She will be interred at the Graham Cemetary on October 21, 2023.