Long-time Milford School District bus driver, Joyce Ann Walton, passed away on June 14 at the age of 59. Born in 1965 in Maryland to Geraldine Clark and Joseph Owens, Walton was surrounded by her loved ones, including her husband, Wayne, who never left her side.
Dedicating her life to others, Walton worked for hospice and in private care to help those in need in addition to driving a school bus. Always there for her family, she was present at all events celebrating her son and grandchildren. Walton called her son and grandchildren every day, no matter what time it was when she found time. Her entire family called her their “rock” and stated how much they will miss her.
Walton’s grandchildren were her pride and joy. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with them, spoiling them as much as she could.
Walton is survived by her husband as well as her mother and her husband, Geraldine and Larry Clark; her son, Joseph Williams and his wife, Shelley; her grandchildren, Ashley Williams and her husband, Parker; Katelyn Williams and her husband, Ellis; James Tucker and Lexy Short as well as her husband, Greg. She is also survived by four great-grandchildren, Aliya, Xyliah, Brooke and Wren. Her brothers, Donald Owens and his wife, Margo, as well as Richard Owens, also survive her. Her dear friend, Jan Sammons, survives her as well.
She was preceded in death by her father, Joseph, a brother, Louie and a niece, Taylor.
“My heart is broken right out of my chest right now,” Sammons commented on social media. “I just lost my best friend of many years. She was my heart, my body & soul. The one who stood by me through my whole cancer battle.”
Walton’s cousin, Sherry Hash, echoed Sammons’ sentiments.
“Right there with you, Jan,” Hash posted. “She was my cousin, and I loved her dearly. We played together, went to school together, lived by each other and my children and Joey grew up together. I am just stunned by it. My heart is heavy, but my memories are strong. RIP, Joyce.”
A celebration of life will be held August 10, 2025, at the Ellendale Fire Hall from 12 Noon to 2 PM. Any family and close friends are welcome to attend. As a way to honor her life, the family requests donations be made in her memory to Delaware Hospice Center.
