In Loving Remembrance of Joycelyn Downing

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I come to you with a heavy heart as I am saddened to have to announce the passing of my dear Aunt Joycelyn. She left us the morning of Thursday, March 28, 2024 at her home surrounded by her family, though it hurts so bad, she now rests in peace and now free of pain.

For quite some time, Aunt Joyce has courageously battled illness, undergoing numerous hospital visits, enduring three heart surgeries, debilitating headaches through most of her years and other health issues. Despite her resilient spirit, and always having a beautiful smile on her face EVERYTIME you would see her, February brought a new and frightening chapter.

It began with unfamiliar headaches and confusion, leading to her admission to St. John's Hospital in Oklahoma on February 7th. There, she faced three strokes, each leaving its mark on her body and spirit. After a brief release, Aunt Joyce suffered two more strokes, with the most significant impact on her left side and her precious brain and once again was rushed and admitted into St. John's Hospital, Oklahoma.

As if the strokes weren't enough, Aunt Joyce's heart also began to falter, her heart tissues weakening and her heart rate dropping dangerously low. The prognosis was daunting; another heart surgery loomed, yet it remained out of reach as she was in no condition to successfully recover from it at the time. She fought so hard and was finally able to be transferred to one of the best Rehabilitation Hospitals in the country. Despite extensive therapy, Aunt Joyce's condition essentially led to her being placed on Hospice care, a difficult reality for us all. She was discharged to return home on Hospice Tuesday, March 26 ,2024.

In the face of such adversity, our family have stood united, but continuing to navigate this journey alone has brought other challenges. The financial burden weighs heavily as medical bills, equipment expenses, daily necessities, monthly bills and insurances continue to mount. We've exhausted our resources, and now we turn to you, our extended family, for assistance as well in this unfortunate outcome. Unfortunately, there was no life insurance for Aunt Joyce, due to the fact she was considered high risk with her particular health issues.

Aunt Joyce and Uncle Marvin, her devoted husband of 57 years, have given SO much love and support to others throughout their lives. Now, they need us more than ever. Uncle Marvin, facing his own health challenges, requires assistance, as he too must also soon under go surgeries as well and now facing the loss of his forever love and everything that comes with that is a task made even more daunting by his limited mobility and now, grief.

Your support, in whatever form it may come, is a beacon of hope in this dark time. Whether through financial contributions, prayers, or spreading awareness, your kindness is profoundly appreciated. This will be used to deal with housing, utilities, bills, health care, and other needs to deal with after death of a loved one.

Together, let us rally around Uncle Marvin and his remaining little family, offering the love and support they have so generously given to others throughout their wonderful years. Thank you, from the depths of our hearts, for standing with us during this difficult and heartbreaking journey.

With gratitude and hope,

Bless each and every one of you.