Joyce Holbrook Thomas

The early sun glinted through the freshly bottled peaches and pears neatly arrayed on the kitchen counter. After reviewing the previous day’s work, and inspecting the flowers from her beloved front porch, Joyce Holbrook Thomas passed away the morning of Thursday, August 28, 2025. Her sudden death at home was caused by an aortic aneurysm. Joyce left her devoted husband, Raymond Earl Thomas, but was reunited with her son, Mark and countless other loved ones who had gone before.

Joyce was born at home on the cold, snowy morning of March 31, 1936, the daughter of Leo Sturton and Arlene Parkin Holbrook. She was loved by her three older brothers, Clarence, Stanley, and Robert, her younger sister and best friend, Janette and little brother, Larry.

She grew up in the idyllic town of Bountiful, Utah, and except for mission service, she never left. She loved the growing community. She attended Stoker Elementary and Bountiful Junior High. She was the first group to attend Bountiful High School. Joyce always felt proud that she helped pick the school colors and mascot. Bountiful High did not have a full student body until later. Joyce graduated from Davis High School in 1954.

Joyce married Earl on March 4, 1955, in the Salt Lake Temple. Together they welcomed six children into their family: Matthew Earl (Mindy), Sally (Kirk Green), Connie (Greg Barnett), Mark Bradley, Gary Raymond (Nicole) and Jeffrey Lee (Lisa).

Being a wife and mother was her greatest joy. She once wrote, “Raising my family was the hardest/best thing I’ve ever done!” She loved decorating and crafting a home that was welcoming to all. Family and friends often gathered around her. Joyce was artistic and creative. Trying unique recipes, sewing new clothes and creating beautiful quilts brought happiness to Joyce and others. With her talented hands and busy mind, Joyce did things herself (DIY) before it was fashionable.

Being a constant disciple of Jesus Christ shaped the person Joyce became. She studied the gospel, but more importantly, she lived her life by the two great commandments, love God and love your fellow man.

Joyce was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She served others as a visiting teacher/ministering sister in the Bountiful 13th and 53rd wards. Through the years, she fulfilled many callings in the church including as the president of Relief Society, Young Women and Primary organizations. She was a full-time missionary with her husband in the Arkansas Little Rock Mission from 2002-2004. Joyce was an ordinance worker in the Bountiful Temple.

Christmas was always amazing, and holidays were meant to be celebrated with enthusiasm. Joyce made birthdays special; each present was personally selected and exquisitely wrapped. Cards were lovingly written, with underlines to highlight how she truly felt. She loved being barefoot. Hamburgers were her favorite. Tossed salads needed at least seven vegetables. Tables should be set with a tablecloth, even for simple meals. Joyce said that “food always tasted better when someone else cooked it”.

Joyce was a planner. She followed prophetic counsel to be frugal and to have food supplied for future needs. By late Autumn, her shelves would be lined with fruits and vegetables she had canned.

Reading the newspaper and staying current on events was a passion. She wrote things down. Notes and reminders could be found throughout her home. Technology was embraced by Joyce. She loved to keep in touch with others through Instagram, email and texting.

Athletics and sports held lifelong appeal. Joyce was often chosen first when teams were selected. She attended countless youth games, supporting her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved watching University of Utah and BYU sports and any team that was beating the Dallas Cowboys.

Joyce loved her cabin in the mountains of Timber Lakes. Earl and Joyce built a place of lifelong memories. Joyce kept detailed records and photos of every trip. She was an accomplished genealogist, producing volumes of family history.

Joyce is adored, deeply missed and survived by her husband, five children and their spouses, 23 grandchildren and 37 great-grandchildren, brother Larry Holbrook and sister Janette Sedgwick. She is preceded in death by her son, Mark Bradley Thomas, son-in-law Anthony Dean Reynolds, her parents and three older brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the Bountiful 53rd Ward, 1350 North 650 East, Bountiful, Utah, of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A viewing will be held at that location from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday prior to services. An evening viewing will be held from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and on this obituary page. The live stream will begin 10-15 minutes prior to services and will be posted below.