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Life story

"Joyce Parton Burke was born on June 29, 1941, in Morganton, North Carolina to Henry Blease Parton and Gladys Faye Parton. She was the eldest of five daughters and while her given name was Naomi Joyce Parton, her family and friends always knew her as Joyce.

After high school, she attended Catawba College followed by enlistment in the U.S. Army and was assigned to the Office of the Secretary of the Army. After leaving the service, Joyce joined the Washington Psychoanalytic Society and Institute, initially as a secretary and moving up to the position of executive director. She completed her education at George Washington University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in art history.

Joyce married Michael D. Burke in December 1965. They were married for 35 years. In 1974, they welcomed their son, Matthew, into their lives.

Throughout her life Joyce loved reading, gardening and tennis, which continued as she transitioned into retirement. Joyce will be remembered for the quiet strength she possessed and her unique spirit which left a mark on the hearts of those who knew her.

Joyce passed away on May 23, 2026. She was preceded in death by her parents, and she is survived by her sisters Doris, Brenda, Linda and Lois, her son, Matthew, her granddaughters Rachael, Sophia and Sara, and great granddaughter Scarlett.

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