Yerkey, Joyce Gail (Morring) of Weymouth, passed away surrounded by her loving family on April 8, 2026. She was 82 years old.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Margaret (Walker) Schaffer.

Joyce carried the charm of an Alabama accent and the graciousness of Southern hospitality throughout her life. She was traditional in the best sense of the word, with a sweet nature and a quick wit that could brighten any room. Those who knew Joyce will remember her as a woman who loved deeply, laughed easily, and made others feel welcome and cared for. She was, above all else, a mother and grandmother at heart, and that role was the greatest joy of her life.

At the age of 19, Joyce married David after a blind date that would become the beginning of a lifelong love story. Together they built a family and a home filled with love, laughter, and steadfast devotion. Joyce was widowed in 1999, and though she carried that loss with grace and strength, she remained a pillar for her family in the years that followed. Her resilience and determination were evident to all who knew her, and she faced life’s challenges with courage and dignity.

Joyce’s love for her children was especially evident in one of the most selfless decisions of her life. When Lisa moved to Massachusetts for college and later stayed there after marrying and having a baby, Joyce retired from her job immediately and moved across the country to be near her family. That decision reflected the depth of her devotion and the importance she placed on being present for the people she loved. She wanted nothing more than to be close to her children and grandchild, and she made that wish a reality through her unwavering commitment.

She was a devoted grandmother to her grandson, Thomas David, and took great pride in helping care for him. Joyce drove him and picked him up from school for almost his entire school career, a steady and loving presence that meant more than words could express. She was always willing to lend a hand, offer encouragement, and show up when she was needed most. Her family could always count on her, and her dependable nature was one of her most cherished qualities.

Joyce also gave generously of her time and energy to her children and their community. She served as a scout leader and a softball coach, roles that allowed her to guide, encourage, and inspire her daughters as well as other young people. She approached these responsibilities with the same care and enthusiasm she brought to every part of her life. Whether she was helping children learn, cheering them on, or teaching by example, Joyce made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

She will be remembered as a strong woman whose love was steady and whose humor brought joy to those around her. Her family and friends will forever cherish the memories of her kindness, her laughter, and her unwavering devotion. Joyce Yerkey lived a life centered on love, family, and service, and her legacy will continue through the many lives she touched.

Predeceased by her loving husband David Yerkey. Cherished mother to Dina Yerkey of Quincy and Lisa Dillon and her husband Thomas Joseph of Weymouth. Caring grandmother to Thomas David Dillon. Sister to the late Ted Morring and his surviving wife Gerry and Neil Yerkey and his surviving wife Nancy. Also survived by many expended family and friends.

Services will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Joyce may be made to American Cancer Society/?campaign=honormemorialmedia&gclsrc=aw.ds&&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaignid=21603275924&utm_adgroupid=169792393161&utm_keyword=american%20cancer%20society&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=21603275924&gbraid=0AAAAAD2heefC3m4o6mU7NAfXi8_5MQxdQ&gclid=CjwKCAjwnN3OBhA8EiwAfpTYepklkXIlZdtcIkXEBMe6XHQw1Uhrzu4o6Jtq5Afzsxegsuv_nR2TghoCn1UQAvD_BwE">American Cancer Society, 3 Speen Street, Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701 and/or the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, P.O. Box 88540, Carol Stream, IL 60188.