Joyce Ann Eaton

Joyce Ann Eaton was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 25, 1946, the first of 4 children born to Ida Mae and Clarence Davis, Sr. Joyce was a gifted learner who excelled at her studies in Benton Elementary and went on to finish early in her secondary school studies at Sumner High School in 1963. She pursued her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education at Harris Teachers College in 1967. Joyce loved being an educator and energetically matriculated through the Master's program in Education at University of Missouri, St. Louis (UMSL). Mathematics was a specific area of interest and later in her career she became an Adjunct Professor in the School of Mathematics at that same university. While at Harris Teachers College, Joyce met David Anthony Eaton. They were married August 17, 1968 and celebrated 44 years together before David’s passing in 2013. They had one child, Anthony Gibran, who through their nurturing and support achieved his medical degree and is now an Internal Medicine Physician in Massachusetts. Anthony, along with his wonderful wife, Maria, continue the same nurturing and loving care for their three daughters, Mia, Emma Joyce and Sofia. During Joyce’s 47 career in education, she worked for the St. Louis Public Schools and Clayton School Districts as an Elementary School teacher. Additionally, she was professionally employed at Central Midwestern Regional Educational Laboratory (CEMREL) in St. Louis where she, along with her colleagues researched and developed innovative Mathematics curriculum for the U.S. Department of Education. Joyce had a strong passion for learning and teaching which was evident not only in her personal pursuits, but in her commitment to educating youth in her classrooms, family and neighborhoods throughout St. Louis. That passion continued past retirement to the Millennial Academy founded by Joyce and David after they both retired from the St. Louis Public School system. Millennial Academy employed 250 Tutors and served over 1,000 K-12 students in the St. Louis area. Joyce’s life was full beyond the classroom. She was an avid reader, loved the arts including music and theater, fashion and socializing with her family and girlfriends. Her home and personal style reflected all of these. She was involved in community programs such as Tiffany Community Summer program for children, Forest Park Forever, St. Louis Public Schools Foundation and she supported political endeavors to improve and enrich the lives of St. Louis citizens. Travel was a fun pleasure for Joyce and her family and summers found her in states across the nation including international adventures. Joyce loved life and we all know she loved her family more. She included us all in her life and life adventures. She made friends into family. Joyce demonstrated her faith through her unselfish caring and support of others. She loved us, cared for us, encouraged and supported us throughout her life and we are richer for having had her in our lives. After a long illness, Joyce passed peacefully on May 30, 2018 at her son’s and daughter-in-law’s home in North Andover, Massachusetts. She is preceded in death by her husband, David, Mother, Ida Mae and Foster Brother, Michael Flowers. She leaves to mourn her passing and move forward to brighter days ahead, her Son, Anthony (Maria); Granddaughters Mia, Emma Joyce and Sofia; Father, Clarence Davis, Sr. (Jacquie); Brothers, Clarence, Jr. and Cornelius (Christine); Sister, Linda Archer (Carl); Sister-in-Law, Shirley; Brothers-in Law, Edward, Tim (Pam), Mark (Juleous); Great Aunt, Evelyn (Wiley) Whitfield; Aunts, Louise Guy (Hue) and Jeanette Whitfield; Uncle, Virvus Jones and a wonderfully large host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, dear Friends and Colleagues.

Joyce Ann Eaton

January 25, 1946 - May 30, 2018