Joyce Palmer Alston

(nee Honeck) Passed away peacefully with her daughter Heather at her side on Saturday, August 26th, 2023 at the age of 88.  Born on August 4th, 1935, in Milwaukee, WI. Joyce was the only child of Hazel (nee Palmer) and Richard Langley Honeck of Janesville, WI and Chicago, IL, respectively.  Joyce grew up in four different states as a child including New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Wisconsin.

Joyce graduated from Rufus King High School in 1953 and attended the Wisconsin State Teachers College which later became UWM.  A lifelong learner, Joyce earned certificates in early childhood and childhood education from Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC). As a professional nanny, she was known to many families as the Northshore and later the Westside nanny and was truly a modern-day Mary Poppins. Joyce continued to stay in touch with many of these families over the years.

In 1960, Joyce married Eugene Edward Alston of Milwaukee. They have three surviving children: April Alston, Heather Mackey and Garth Alston.  Joyce is also survived by four grandchildren: Bryan, Blake, Gabrielle and Aaron. She was preceded in death by her granddaughter Bianca Faye Barker, and her ex-husband Eugene Edward Alston.  Joyce is also survived by a host of great-grandchildren including Zanobe and Asia and great-great grandchildren.

Joyce lived for her children, grandchildren, great-and great-great grandchildren.  She made sacrifices to ensure that each child had the same opportunity in life.

Joyce loved to walk for enjoyment and many other times out of necessity. It was not uncommon for Joyce to walk over 2 miles to catch a bus for work or for pleasure in retirement along her beloved lake front.  Joyce loved music, singing, movies, reading the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel, and most of all listening to Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR) or watching the Public Broadcasting Station (PBS).

Per Joyce’s wishes, her family will celebrate her life and legacy in a private service.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations can be made in her name to Wisconsin Public Radio (WPR)( WPR | Donate Now) or Doctors Without Borders (Doctors Without Borders)