Joyce Robertson Bagby completed her earthly mission on October 17, 2024, surrounded by her family, whom she adored. A wonderful and loving wife, mother, sister, and friend, Joyce was quick with a smile and a helping hand. She loved to beautify the world around her. She was a dedicated teacher and faithful follower of Jesus Christ.
Joyce was born to James H. and Helene M. Robertson on November 25, 1946, in Salt Lake City, Utah. She spent most of her early life in Bountiful, Utah, where she graduated from Bountiful High School in 1965.
Joyce attended the University of Utah, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education in 1969 and later with her Master’s in Child Development in 1970. She loved being an elementary school teacher and had a gift working with young children. She was even honored by a local news station for her work. She was recognized as the KSL Teacher for the Day while working at Carl Sandburg Elementary in 1971.
While living in Salt Lake City, Joyce met the love of her life & future husband, Ken Bagby, in January 1972. They began dating, and a romance ensued before they married and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Provo Utah Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on September 30, 1972.
They were blessed with four incredible daughters: Jennifer Ann, Stacy Lynne, Amber Marie, and Lara Lee. Her daughters were her world. Above all things, Joyce wanted to be a mother, and she embraced the role wholeheartedly. She loved each of her girls, and they felt that love. Her children knew when they came home from school or other activities that she would be there, welcoming them home. If they had dance recitals, sporting events, or classroom parties/field trips, they knew they could rely on her to be there. Joyce was her daughters' biggest cheerleader, and they are forever grateful.
Over the years, their family lived in Salt Lake City until 1985 before moving to Orem, which they called home until 2023, when they moved to Draper, Utah.
As a child, Joyce was eager to become a member of the Church of Jesus Christ, and with patience and the help of her sisters, Carol and Sarah, she was given permission by her parents to be baptized at the age of 12. She cherished her membership in the Church and loved being part of the Cascade 4th Ward in Orem. She faithfully served in numerous church callings, especially enjoying calls to serve the children in Primary. Her children are eternally grateful that she shared her testimony and love of the gospel with them. Joyce was a gracious mother who taught her children how to live their lives in a righteous and honorable manner.
Throughout her life, Joyce always found ways to serve and uplift others. She prepared countless meals, provided child care, and helped with any need of those around her. She lived the Savior’s teaching of always looking after the one.
Joyce loved holidays! She created and displayed decorations for every holiday on the calendar. When it came to holidays like April Fools or St. Patrick’s Day, Joyce was the first to pull pranks on her family. Of all the holidays, she especially loved patriotic holidays the most. The 4th of July held a special place in her heart.
Joyce knew her way around a needle and thread. She took pride in her sewing and made many of her daughters' dance costumes and dresses. Ever the teacher, Joyce also passed her sewing knowledge on to her children. She also enjoyed crocheting and creating all sorts of crafts.
Joyce is survived by her loving husband Kenneth, three daughters, Jennifer Bagby, Stacy St Felix (Serge), Amber McAllister (Scott), two sisters Sarah Meier, Carol Nielsen and eight grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, James & Helene, daughter, Lara Lee Izant (Eric), and sister, Mary Robertson.
Joyce’s life will be celebrated at Nelson Family Mortuary, 4780 N University Ave, Provo, UT 84604, on Tuesday, October 29th, 2024, at 11 AM. A viewing will precede the service from 9:30-10:30 AM. Interment will be at the Orem City Cemetery, 1520 North 800 East, Orem, UT 84097, following the service. Joyce and her family would like to thank all her family, friends, and workers at the many different rehab centers where she spent so much of the last years of her life for their thoughtful and considerate care. Her smile and laughter will be missed by all.
