25th May 2008
Edith Joyce Webb was born on 5th January 1910. Her father had a drapery shop at the junction of The Close and the High Street, Warminster.
Joyce, as she was known, lived at Church Street, Warminster, with her parents, brothers Henry and Douglas, and older sister Gwen. The family owned the two houses next to Culverhouse builders’ yard. When Joyce’s father died in 1923, her mother continued the drapery business for a few more years.
During their teens, Gwen and Joyce were keen Girl Guides and ran two companies in Warminster. Joyce had many happy memories of those days. The two sisters were also members of the tennis club and the dramatic society.
Younger brother Douglas had learning difficulties and was epileptic, so Joyce worked in several private schools for children with learning difficulties before going to the Manor Hospital at Epsom to train. She gained her RMPA certificate and was admitted to the General Nursing Council Register.
From 1937 to 1942 Joyce ran her own residential school for children with special needs, under the Board of Control, at Northdown House, Church Street, Warminster. She had to relinquish this for health reasons. In 1943 Joyce moved to Frilsham House, near Newbury, a convalescent home for servicemen, where she worked as an occupational therapist.
When her mother’s health deteriorated, Joyce had to return home, so she then ran a nursery school until her mother’s death in 1952. From 1953 to 1966 Joyce was head teacher at Coxley Training Centre for children with special needs. This centre later moved to Glastonbury.
In 1966 Joyce returned to Warminster, to live at Plants Green with her brother Douglas, and until her retirement in 1971 she assisted at Sambourne School.
Joyce was far from idle. As well as caring for Douglas she organised handicrafts for the disabled with the Red Cross, and at the Lakeside Centre helped with the senior citizens’ luncheon club. For 22 years she was on the committee for the senior citizens’ annual competition and exhibition held at the Assembly Rooms.
Joyce’s family were Congregationalists at Common Close, Warminster, and when they joined with the Methodists, Douglas worshipped at George Street. When he died, Joyce started coming to the church at George Street. She said that she was not certain whether she should vote at a church meeting, but on Easter Sunday 2008, at the age of 98, she became a full church member so that she could vote.
Joyce was still active until her stroke, the day after Whit Sunday, making cards, soft toys and other handicrafts. Her design for knitted puppets was used to make puppets that go into the Christmas shoeboxes that are sent to poor children in eastern Europe.
In 2007 Joyce moved to Regal Court, at Weymouth Street, Warminster, where she was near the shops and the church. She was very happy and content there and enjoyed the company.
Joyce achieved so much in her long life. She cared for and helped many people, young and old, and there were many children she influenced and cared for, many with special needs. It takes a very special person to do this kind of work, often where there may be little response or a thank you in return. She had great patience and perseverance. Joyce touched the lives of many adults too, being always kind and generous. She joined in at the Friendship Club, playing scrabble and learning new games.
Miss Edith Joyce Webb passed away at Salisbury District Hospital on 15th May 2008. She was 98. A thanksgiving service for the life of Joyce was held at the United Church, George Street, Warminster, on Saturday 24th May. The service was conducted by the Rev. Heather Morgan.