Joyce Claire Dowling

Joyce was born in Miami, Florida on January 4,1932. She was the loving daughter of Alva and Denta Collins. Joyce is survived by husband Ralph and 4 children. Kenneth (Gisele') of Lake Worth, FL., David of West Palm Beach, FL., Joy (Bill) of N. Loxahatchee, FL., and Wendy (Stephen) of Andros Island, Bahamas. Joyce has 7 grandchildren, Heather, Christina, Jessica, Amanda, Brooke, Andrew, and Blake. Joyce has 3 great grandchildren Taylour, Preston, and Lyric. Joyce is also survived by a special Aunt Brown Caudell and an adopted granddaughter Jessica. Joyce graduated from Miami Senior High School in 1948. Joyce was #6 in her class of 660 graduates Joyce attended Florida State University She was an active member of the Central Baptist Church in Miami, FL. where she married Ralph Ray Dowling on December 3, 1950 over 60 years ago. Joyce was an accomplished pianist and played the pipe organ at Central Baptist Church. She also played the pipe organ at Coral Gables Baptist Church After moving to Palm Beach County in 1964, Joyce joined the Music teachers Association. With her recognized love of music and talent on the piano Joyce was asked on two occasions to perform piano concerts at the Norton Art Gallery in West Palm Beach, FL. She taught piano lessons and at one time had 27 students. Joyce directed the children's choirs at Northwood Baptist Church in West Palm Beach, FL. Joyce also for many years played the organ at the Methodist Church in Riviera Beach, FL. She later directed the children's choirs and directed the adult hand bell choir at the Methodist Church in Downtown West Palm Beach, Florida. Never leaving her musical talents behind, Joyce got interested in show dogs and became a well known breeder with the American Kennel Club raising and showing Irish Setters, English Cockers, and a Gray hound. Later Joyce studied and became an AKC registered judge, which led her to judging assignments allover the country. Above all Joyce was a wonderful wife and mother to her family. Funeral Services will be Tuesday, March 22,2011. From 11:00 until 12:00 there will be visiting with the family From 12:00 until 1 :00 there will be a service Burial will be at the Veterans Cemetery West Lake Worth from 2:15 until 2:45 In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to Hospice of Palm Beach County, 5300 East Ave., West Palm Beach, FL. 33407