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Joyce Hart Dalton of Baltimore, Md., a native of Elizabethton, passed away peacefully in her sleep February 27, 2021. Joyce was born 95 years ago on Cedar Avenue to the late George and Retta Morley Hart. Later, along with parents and siblings, Jane Ella, Nilene and Richard, they moved to Lynn Avenue where George and Retta owned and operated a community grocery store. The family’s last earthly move was to Watauga Avenue.
Joyce graduated from Elizabethton High School and worked at Parks-Belk in downtown Elizabethton before marrying the late Hugh Dalton from Russellville, Tenn. The couple lived together and loved each other dearly for 70 years.
Joyce and Hugh, along with their first child, Nancy, moved to Baltimore where he worked at Bethlehem Steele until his retirement. In Baltimore two other daughters, Janie and Teresa, were welcomed into the family. Although life in Baltimore was good with great neighbors, friends, and a devoted church, Joyce’s heart belonged to Elizabethton. The family vacationed yearly to Tennessee to reunite with friends and family. Joyce faithfully corresponded with friends in Elizabethton and was a subscriber to the Elizabethton Star until the last few years. It was said that she knew more about what was going on here than most residents. Family events always gave an excuse to come back HOME. Her last visit home at the age of 92 was to attend the wedding of a great-great-niece, Sarah Bowers.
Nieces and nephews always looked forward to birthday cards from Aunt Joyce with that coveted dollar inside. A dollar would buy several Cokes and Moon Pies for a ten-year-old 50 plus years ago.
“Miss Joycie” will greatly be missed by local relatives: daughter, Nancy Dalton Takos; granddaughter, Amy Dalton; great-grandson, Brent Vettel; nieces, Judy Nave, Beverly Blevins, Elaine Skelton and Renee McNeely; great-niece, Michelle Bowers; and sister-in-law, Dolores Hart.
Joyce’s devotion to her Jesus, church, and family was a legacy to all who knew and loved her. Joyce was laid to rest beside her “Hugh Darling” in Holly Hill Memorial Gardens in Baltimore.