Joyce Lea Figgs, a lifelong Delmar resident, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Known affectionately as “Mama Joyce,” she touched the lives of many with her warmth, generosity, and unwavering dedication to her community. She was born in Delmar, a daughter of the late Dennard C. and Anna L. (Elliott) Carey.
A proud member of the Delmar High School Class of 1958, Joyce spent her entire life nurturing her passion for service, family, and faith. On June 14, 1958, she married her high school sweetheart, Lacey K. Figgs, and together they enjoyed 60 years of marriage and raising their family, until his passing in 2018. In 1959, she joined the Delmar Fire Department, where she became an integral member of the auxiliary, serving as its president for over 20 years. Joyce’s commitment to the fire department extended beyond her role, as she held prestigious positions including Past-President of the Sussex County Ladies Auxiliary and the Ladies Auxiliary of the Delaware Volunteer Firemen’s Association from 2004 to 2006, as well as the Wicomico County Ladies Auxiliary and the Delmarva Ladies Auxiliary. One of her proudest, recent accomplishments was receiving her 65 year pin as a member of the DFD Auxiliary. In appreciation for all she has done for her beloved town of Delmar, she received the 2007 Delmar Citizen of the Year award, which was a highlight of her life. Her contributions were invaluable, and her culinary skills were legendary; she was the heart and soul of many gatherings, bringing joy through her amazing cooking.
Joyce was a dedicated employee in the cafeteria for several years at Delmar High School. Other jobs she excelled at through the years were with Columbia Vending, Flowers by Hearn, where she was a designer and arranger, and later in her career she worked in accounts payable with Manlove Auto Parts.
In addition to her community service, Joyce was a devoted lifelong member of Melsons Methodist Church in Delmar, where she fostered her faith and formed lasting friendships. She treasured the many camping trips to Treasure Beach Campground with her late husband, Lacey, creating countless cherished memories with family that will be remembered for generations to come.
Joyce’s greatest joy was her family. She passionately supported her grandson Justin throughout his BMX journey and took immense pride in her great grandchildren, attending their various events with unwavering enthusiasm. Her love for the holidays and family gatherings was unmatched; her famous mac and cheese and homemade “schnickens” will be especially missed during the times that brought everyone together.
Joyce is survived by her loving family, who will carry on her spirit of generosity and compassion, daughter Kimberly Figgs; son Donald Figgs and wife Andrea; grandson Justin Figgs and wife Angie; great grandchildren Nevaeh and Noah; and a loving brother, Norman Carey and wife, Margaret. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, her beloved DFD family and a host of close friends.
In addition to her parents and beloved husband Lacey, she was preceded in death by brothers, Richard Carey (JoAnn) and Clifford “Jiggy” Carey; and sisters, Grace LeCates (Pete) and Betty Hastings (Billy).
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joyce’s life during a visitation at Short Funeral Home on Friday, May 2 from 6 to 8 p.m. , and again at the Delmar Fire Department on Saturday, May 3 from 10 a.m. until the funeral service begins at 11 a.m. The Reverend John Oltman and Chaplain Thomas Adkins, DFD, will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Stephen’s Cemetery in Delmar.
Memorial donations in memory of Joyce can be made to the Delmar Fire Department Auxiliary, P.O. Box 143, Delmar, DE 19940, or to Melson Methodist Church, 32705 Melson Road, Delmar, MD 21875.
Joyce will be deeply missed but fondly remembered by all who were lucky enough to know her.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.