On Tuesday October 8, 2024, Joyce Mae Donohew, of Smyrna, passed away peacefully at Bayhealth Kent General Hospital, Dover. She was 81.

Joyce was born in Havre de Grace, Maryland to James F. and Juanita H. Edmondson Yarnell on June 3, 1943. She attended Edgewood High School, graduating in 1961. Joyce worked as a bookkeeper for many years. While working at the Aberdeen Proving Ground, she met her husband, Russel Lee Donohew. They were united in marriage on June 18, 1963 and moved to Middletown, Delaware in the summer of 1965 where they raised their family.

Joyce was instrumental in the start of the M.O.T. Senior Center in Middletown. She started as their bookkeeper and then became the director. Joyce spent endless hours advocating for the elderly of Delaware. Many programs that are available today are from her compassion and dedication to them. Joyce had a caring heart and would be there to help someone if she thought they needed something, no matter how good or bad she felt.

In addition to her husband, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Donald Yarnell and James Yarnell.

She is survived by her daughter, Donella Everett (Mike), her son, William Donohew (Colleen); grandchildren, Tony Berryman (Kat), Michael Everett (Hayley), Olivia Everett (Amanda), Savannah Haines, and Thomas and Johanthan Alaia; brother, Richard Yarnell (Barbara); sister, JoAnn Jamison (Larry); great-grandchildren, Sloane, Mackenna, Allen, Raelee, and Gage; nieces Juanita Thibeault (Max), Jessica Martin (Jesse), and great-nieces and nephews.

All are invited to a Celebration of her Life at 3PM Sunday October 20 at Citizen's Hose Co. (Smyrna Firehouse), 103 W. Commerce St., Smyrna, DE.

Memorial contributions may be sent in Joyce's memory to a favorite charity.

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Arrangements are by Matthews-Bryson Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Smyrna.