JOYCE LYNN ASBURY, 65, of Bel Air, MD, passed away on October 9, 2017 in Upper Chesapeake Medical Center, Bel Air, MD. She was the beloved wife of Stanley Asbury, and they had shared 52 years together. Born on May 6, 1952 in Baltimore, MD, she was a daughter of the late Alfred and Pauline (Price) Ruggles.

Joyce met Stanley on Howard Street one hot summer night amidst the turmoil of Baltimore in1968. It was love at first sight. Married on January 3, 1969, they have taken care of each other every day since. Joyce was the consummate “momma bear” and protected her own. She faced adversity throughout her life and battled chronic illness with the resolve and fortitude that few possess. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. She had the most beautiful Christmas Trees and always found the perfect gift to melt your heart. Joyce found solace in music starting with her Beatles collection and some other favorites included Dolly Parton and Ricky Skaggs. Being an avid reader, she valued education and demanded excellence from her brood. Joyce was a beautician by trade in addition to driving a school bus for years in Harford County. While volunteering for many years at Harford Hospice, she helped countless families in the Harford County area. Joyce was a magnet for people and always had a crowd around her. She was a beloved entrepreneur on the bluegrass circuit and was well known up and down the east coast for her easy smile always connected with thousands of concert goers.

A wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, her beautiful soul will be sorely missed by all who were fortunate enough to be touched by her kind and gentle way.

She is survived by:
Two sons-
Jason Asbury, husband of Lisa
Jeffry Asbury, husband of Debbie

A brother, Alfred Ruggles and sister, Brenda Miles with whom Joyce bonded with in the crucible of early childhood.

Six grandchildren: Hannah, Austin, Andrew, Kayla, Noah, Julie with whom she spoiled and showed her love that can never be expressed in words

A beloved nephew, Randall Asbury

A former daughter-in-law, Dawn Asbury, who was known to always be there for her

A viewing was held on Thursday, October 12, 2017, from 6-8p.m. at Harkins Funeral Home, 600 Main Street Delta, PA 17341 where the funeral service began at 11a.m on Friday with internment in Highview Memorial Gardens, Fallston, MD. Pastor Mark W. Warfield will be officiating. Funeral staff will be outside assisting with parking during services.

Memorial contributions in Joyce’s name may be made to American Diabetes Association, 2002 Clipper Park Rd # 110, Baltimore, MD 21211 www.diabetes.org

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