Joyce Ann Hovatter of Salisbury passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 24, 2021 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional in Salisbury after a brief illness.
She was born in Salisbury on Feb. 17, 1948, a daughter of the late Edward James Twilley and Edna Mae (Ellis) Twilley.
She graduated from Mardela High School with the class of ’66. She then attended Goldey Beacom College where she earned her business degree. Even up until a few weeks ago she enjoyed attending the Mardela girls of ’66 luncheons. In her younger days she worked for Henry Hastings, then retired after 25 years in the office at Johnny Janosik’s Furniture. Joyce was a gifted artist who could draw or paint beautifully and was a talented piano player. She also enjoyed photography and traveling. She and her husband Jerry loved to take cruises and of the more than 30 cruises they went on, many were to Alaska, her favorite cruise destination. From those cruise destinations she sent hundreds of postcards. Many of her family and friends were also the recipients of the handmade cards she sent on birthdays, graduations, weddings, etc., always signed by “Jolly Joyce.” Joyce loved a bargain and could often be found at the local flea market, especially her favorite, Bargain Bill’s in Laurel. She will be remembered as a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many.
She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jerry Hovatter. They were high school sweethearts and started their courtship in 1964. She is also survived by a son, Jason Hovatter and companion, Justine Mutchler of Portland, Oregon; granddaughters, Manzanita Craban and Cora Hovatter; cousins, Robert Adkins and Raymond Adkins; sisters-in-law, Charlene Armentrout and husband Keith and Patricia Reno and husband Mike; nieces, Sarah Armentrout, and Elizabeth Robinson and husband Mark; nephews, David Armentrout and wife Elizabeth and Sean Larkin and wife Adrian; and a great niece Jenna.
A visitation for family and friends was held on Wednesday, July 28 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar and will also take place on Thursday, July 29 from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by a funeral service which begins at 11 a.m. The Reverend Howard Travers will officiate. Interment will follow at Hebron Cemetery.
Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home in Delmar. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.shortfh.com.