Joyce Fay Elder (Bayne)

Joyce Fay Elder

November 23, 1953 – November 18, 2024

Joyce Fay Elder (née Bayne), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on November 18, 2024, just days shy of her 71st birthday. Born on November 23, 1953, Joyce lived a life devoted to family, community, service, and excellence in everything she pursued.

Joyce married the love of her life, Roy P. Elder Jr., during his service in the U.S. Army in 1972. They exchanged vows in Oahu, Hawaii, while he was stationed at Schofield Barracks, embarking on a journey that took them to locales across the globe, including not just Oahu, but Lawton, OK, Würzburg, Germany and Baltimore, MD. As an Army wife, Joyce embraced the challenges of military life with grace. She was always the rock for everyone in the family. She regularly invited base members and neighbors to join their family for holiday meals, ensuring that everyone felt welcome and well fed.

In addition to her dedication to her family, Joyce was a lifelong member of the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department, a role she held close to her heart. Over the years, she served in various leadership roles, including as President—a position she considered one of her proudest accomplishments. At the time of her passing, Joyce was serving as the department’s Chaplain, a role that reflected her deep faith and compassionate spirit.

Joyce also excelled in her professional life as a master of organization and efficiency. She worked with the drilling crew at the Army Corps of Engineers at Fort McHenry in Baltimore, where her meticulous attention to detail helped keep operations running smoothly. Her colleagues valued her contributions, and even in retirement, her impact and professionalism were fondly remembered.

Of all her roles, Joyce’s favorite was being “Mom Mom.” She was a devoted and generous grandmother who found immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren: Cameron, Jordan, Austin, Courtney, Kyle, Ivy, and Willow, as well as her great-grandchild, Kameron. Whether through special outings, heartfelt conversations, or simple everyday moments, Joyce’s love for her grandchildren was boundless. She created countless treasured memories that will live on forever in their hearts.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Tanya Jazwinski (Tom); her son, Roy P. Elder III (Elizabeth); her mother, Frances Bayne; her sister-in-law, Sharon Rankin (Brent); and her siblings: Leslie Bayne (Linda), Doug Bayne, Dennis Bayne (Jennifer), Clifton Bayne (Teresa), Lisa Quattro (Steven), Kathy Webster (Peter), Russell Bayne (Deb), Vickie Cason, Bonnie Knight (Rocky), and Teresa Rohm (Jerry). She also leaves behind many cherished nieces, nephews, and dear friends who will forever treasure the love, wisdom, and strength she brought into their lives. Joyce was preceded in death by her grandson, Cameron, and her beloved husband, Roy P. Elder Jr., whom she missed dearly.

A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held from 2-4PM on December 15th at Lassahn Funeral Home in Nottingham, MD. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Bowleys Quarters Volunteer Fire Department.

Joyce will be remembered as a beacon of kindness, leadership, and faith. Her legacy of love, service, and dedication will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.