Joyce A. Carroll, 88, of Havre de Grace, passed away on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at the UM Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Aberdeen with her family by her side. She was the loving and devoted wife of the late John F. "Johnny" Carroll, with whom she had shared 49 years of marriage at the time of his passing in 2004.

Born in North Wilkesboro, NC and raised in Havre de Grace, she was the daughter of the late Ira C. Shepherd and the late Eloise K. Marlow.

Mrs. Carroll attended Havre de Grace High School and was on the reunion committee for the classes of 1956 through 1958. She attended Cecil Community College where she received her teaching certificate in Early Childhood Development and attended Harford County Community College for continuing education in that field. She was a member of Havre de Grace United Methodist Church and the Havre de Grace Elks Lodge #1564.

Joyce was one of the founders of the Wilson Daycare Center and was employed there as a teacher, retiring in 2002. She had fond memories and spoke often of the children she taught as well as their parents, many of whom kept in contact with her throughout the years. She was formerly a volunteer guide at the Concord Point Lighthouse and worked at the polls during many election campaigns. She was also a former member of the Susquehanna Hose Company Ladies Auxiliary.

Joyce enjoyed the activities with the Young at Heart group at the Senior Center, going to the casinos in Atlantic City, taking bus trips and going on outings with her friends, and spending time at the Tydings Memorial Park and Promenade. Going to lunch or shopping with her was like being with a celebrity. Everyone wanted to say hello to Mrs. Carroll. Most of all, she loved being with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and supporting their varied interests by attending the events in which they participated. She was so very proud of them all.

Having firefighters in her immediate family, including her late husband, Joyce was a huge supporter of the Susquehanna Hose Company and the many firefighters who volunteer their time to support the community. One of the favorite things she enjoyed each year was riding in the chief's car and waving to the crowd in the Fourth of July parade.

Mrs. Carroll is survived by her son, Wayne Carroll and wife, Malena, of Havre de Grace; and daughter, Amy Carroll May and husband, Scott, of Conowingo. She is also survived by grandchildren, Stephen Carroll of Portland, Oregon; Sara Evans and husband, Michael, and their children, Emily and Tyler of Elkton; Joseph Carroll of Havre de Grace; and Lydia May and Joshua May of Conowingo; Angelina Taylor and husband, Robert, III, and their sons, Robert, IV, Alexander of Browns Mills, NJ, and Devon Waters of Chesapeake City. Joyce is also survived by her sisters, Judith Tibbs and husband, Bob, of Level; and Susan McIlvaine and husband, Jim, of West Chester, PA; sister-in-law, Mary Carroll of Havre de Grace; and by her numerous nieces, nephews and extended family members. She was dearly loved by all and will be forever missed.

A visitation will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 10, 2026, followed by a memorial service at 1:00 p.m. at Zellman Funeral Home, P.A., 927 Pulaski Highway, Havre de Grace, MD. The service will be officiated by Joyce's nephew, Pastor Mark Caston of The Bridge Church in Hamburg, PA.

Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Susquehanna Hose Company, PO Box 58, Havre de Grace, MD 21078.

Arrangements are being handled by Zellman Funeral Home, P.A.