Joyce E. Swords-Kinney of Monroe, MI, passed away Monday, August 11, 2025 in her home at the age of 93.
Joyce was born on July 1, 1932 in Monroe to LaFayette and Pauline (Giles) Turner. She graduated from Monroe High School and attended Eastern Michigan University where she earned a Master's Degree in Education.
Joyce married Dave Swords and together they raised three children. She later married Lowell Robert Kinney who recently passed on Feb. 25th of this year.
As a teacher, Joyce began her 35-year career in a one-room schoolhouse in 1951, retiring from Monroe Public Schools in 1986. As a Christian, she believed in serving His people. She was a member of CrossPointe Church (formerly Raisinville Baptist) where she sang in the choir and was a former member of Dundee Baptist Church and Monroe Missionary Baptist Church.
Joyce had many hobbies and interests in life. When she wasn't at home knitting, sewing, quilting, cross stitching, or teaching a ceramics class, she was likely delivering food as a Meals on Wheels volunteer, bowling or camping.
Joyce is survived by her children: Rodney Swords of Monroe, Dannica (Pete) Walker of Newport, and Lori Adkins of New Boston; a sister, Betty Debusk of Brooksville, FL; two granddaughters, Dannica (Justin) Lambert of Monroe and Kellie (Matt) Starr of Temperance; and a great-granddaughter, Alexis Lambert.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; husband Lowell, and two brothers, Gerald and Thomas Turner.
All are welcome to visit from 11 a.m. until her funeral at 2 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 18th at Bacarella Funeral Home. Rev. Jay Anderson of CrossPointe Church will officiate followed by burial at Roselawn Memorial Park.
In memory of Joyce, the family encourages donations be made to CrossPointe Church 1675 Stewart Rd., Monroe, MI 48162.
Online condolences and special memories may be shared with the family by visiting the obituary page at www.bacarellafuneralhome.com .