Joyce A. Powell
July 23, 1937 - July 23, 2026
Joyce A. Powell, age 89, of Newark, DE, passed away on her birthday Thursday, July 23, 2026.
Born in Hackensack, NJ on July 23, 1937, she was the daughter of the late Raymond E. and Gladys T. (Thornton) Matteson. She grew up and attended grade school in Ramsey, NJ. Joyce graduated from Shawnee Mission High School, Kansas City, KS in 1955 and attended Kansas State University. She worked for the borough of Paramus, NJ for over twenty years in various administrative capacities. After retiring to Delaware, she worked at the Public Relations office at the University of Delaware for several years. She became a loyal Fighting Blue Hens, Philadelphia Phillies, and Eagles fan. Joyce enjoyed watching all sports especially when her twin grandsons were playing. She was their biggest fan. She enjoyed crossword and all types of word puzzles and games.
In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her former husband, Donald Lee Powell. She is survived by her daughter, Kathryn Lee (Powell) Bartley and husband Robb Lee Bartley; son, Steven Thornton Powell; sister, Janice Sims; grandchildren, Connor Jase Bartley and wife Sarah (Hamilton) Bartley, and Austin Lee Bartley; and great-grandson, Chase Hamilton Bartley.
A visitation for family and friends will be held from 10:00 am until 11:00 am on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark, DE, where a memorial service will begin at 11:00 am. Inurnment will be held privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to the Brandywine Valley SPCA, 290 Churchmans Road, New Castle, DE 19720 or online by clicking here; or to the Delaware Humane Animal Partners, 701 A Street, Wilmington, DE 19801 or online by clicking here.
Sheryl Petra
Thinking of you my friend.
Janice Sims
Best sister a little sister could ever have.
Donna DeVinko
We grew up with the best of the best mom’s on a street in a quiet town called Paramus. Everyone knew everyone up and down our street, and our mom’s were the closest of friends…Joyce, Granny (I believe also), Eli, Marian and my Grandmother Evelyn.
They loved to play cards and board games and rotated going to each others home to play at the kitchen table. A certain weekly event.
If we wanted to, they taught us how to play whatever the game of the day was; Hearts, Canasta, and loved that we wanted to joined in the fun. There was always laughter, jokes, and smiles all around.
I know Granny, Evelyn, Eli and Marian were waiting at Heavens Gate for your mom on July 23rd with cards and a drink in-hand.
Your mom was an exceptional woman and I personally will miss her very much.
Sending love, deepest sympathy and hugs to you Kathy, Steven, and your family.
John and Kim Rasmussen
Kim and I are so sorry for your loss. Joyce was a great person and full of life.
Janice Sims
Sister sister, you’re so fine
I’m so happy you made it to 89.
God came and your soul HE withdrew, It broke my heart,
But it was a Blessing for you.
So, enjoy this new journey,
It’s one of a kind.
And, Joyce, as we rode our bicycles,
I’m not that far behind.
A friend, an aunt, ma, grand and great-grand were you,
All are loving and missing you.
Phyllis Smoyer
Our condolences, Kathy, to you and Robb and all your family.
We are thinking of you and sending our love. May warm and happy memories of your mom comfort you.
Phyllis and John Smoyer
Patricia Kling
I didn’t see Joyce very often, but when I did, we always had lots of laughs. She was my drinking buddy when we got together. When visiting here, I couldn’t keep the ice cubes freezing for too long. Whether in N.J., Del., or here in Mass., we always had a great time. This one’s for you, dear cousin. 🥃