Joyce Davies Skilling, age 75, of Brownsville died Sunday, November 30, 2008 at her home. She was born July 1, 1933 in Chester England the daughter of Edward William and Emma (Cochrell) Davies. She grew up in England.

In high school, she ran hurdles in track and her favorite class was home economics. Her first job in England was as a telephone operator at 16 years old. She also knitted socks for soldiers during WWII, while in high school.

She left England in 1953, moving to California where she resided in Poway (also San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, Los Angeles, Oxnard, and Huntington Beach). Joyce worked at Camarillo State Hospital in Oxnard as a nurse assistant. She later worked as a district manager for the Times Advocate Newspaper in Escondido, CA; a job she loved.

Joyce was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served missions with her husband to Sierra Leon West Africa, Chester England, and Tennessee, and served in many callings in her church, including Seminary teacher and Primary President. She enjoyed needle work, cooking, yoga, walking and jogging, family reunions and holidays, taming cats, gardening, and quilting.

Joyce is survived by children, Dane Conklin of Kent, WA, Laura Holbrook of Brownsville, OR, Emma Whitcomb of Tigard, OR, Micha Skilling of Seattle, WA, and Sarah Skilling of Seattle, WA; sister, Peggy Roberts of Cowly, England; 14 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by husband, William Skilling, and sister, Phyllis Hopkins.

A funeral service while be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 3, 2008 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Brownsville, Oregon. Final burial will be at the Brownsville Pioneer Cemetery.

Donations can be made in remembrance of Joyce to S.P.A.Y. Inc., of Brownsville, Oregon.

Sweet Home Funeral Chapel is handling services.