Joyce Ellen Shorts, 79, of Satsuma, passed from this life on Wednesday, November 23, 2022, at her home following an extended illness. She was born in Washington, D.C. and had been a resident of Putnam Count for the past 45 years, coming from Maryland. Joyce had worked as a clerk for the Putnam County Clerk of Courts. She always had a smile and a kind word. Joyce enjoyed dancing, fishing and spending time with her friends and family.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Arthur “Tom” Shorts, long time companion, William “Gus” Whirley, parents, Ruth and Herbert DeVers, daughter, Joyanna Shorts, brother, Terry DeVers, and grandson, Thomas Boyette.
She is survived by her daughters, Penny Merson (Lucky) of Scaggsville, MD and Tracy Shorts Winchester of Jesup, GA, sister, Joanne Oswaald, grandchildren, Melanie Merson-Riley (Tom), Tiffany Merson, Virginia Merson-Keys (Jay), Tyler Boyette (Amber), Ciara Gilley (Trey) and Dalton Lane, 10 great-grandchildren and one more on the way, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Services will be held at 6:00 pm on Monday, November 28, 2022 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday beginning at 5:00 pm until time of services.
For the safety of immune compromised family members it is requested for those who approach the family during the visitation to please wear a mask.
Flowers are gratefully accepted, or memorial donations may be made to St. Jude.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Joyce’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.