Joyce Ann (Helton) Acosta
March 12, 1949 - January 18, 2020
Wife, Mother, Sister, Friend, Teacher, YaYa, Role Model and Fan. Joyce Ann Helton had a selfless impact on everyone she touched. Born in Santa Rita, New Mexico on March 12, 1949 to Joyce and George Helton, Joyce naturally embraced her role as a big sister and caretaker to her baby brother, Robert Wayne. The comfort of his voice on the other end of the phone brought her amazing peace, especially over the last few months as she fought an unjust battle with cancer. From the beginning until she said her last goodbye, Joyce relished in watching, teaching, feeding, and supporting those she loved.
At Cobre High School in Bayard, New Mexico, Joyce became a fan and fell in love with the man who would eventually be her number one, Arnold “Skip” Acosta – and the story began. Over their 49 years, 3 kids, 5 grandkids, and an infinite number of friends who became family (you all know who you are) shaped the world of which Joyce was incredibly proud of. Joyce’s three children, Chelsie, Jeramie, and Adam, quickly became her cornerstone at home, on the soccer field, the basketball and volleyball court, the baseball diamond, political stage and every stage each of the kids stood on. If you interacted with Joyce, you knew she loved every moment she could boast about her kids. In 2004, the cornerstone grew when her first grandson came into the world, and until her last breath, the 5 grandkids (Jackson, Monroe, Porter, Barcelona, and Angeles) were Joyce’s most cherished gift. They will always know YaYa’s unconditional love for them through her smile, encouragement, hugs, and personal notes in every book.
Joyce found her passion and legacy in dedicating decades of service to educating our children and supporting the discovery of their own unique journeys. Her acceptance, understanding, and unwavering patience made her more than an educator – Mrs. Acosta was a child’s inspiration. From encouraging a first grader to drawing a tree on the chalkboard in front of the entire class, to cheering on her students from the sidelines for years after they left her classroom, Mrs. Acosta was and will always be standing behind her students.
Joyce’s love of God showed in her service to family and friends across the globe, and in her faithful dedication to the Catholic Church. Joyce was preceded in death by her father, George, her mother, Joyce, brother Vernon George, her aunts Billy Jean, Evelyn, and Sally, her uncle, Howard, and her cousins, Ivan and Troy. She is survived by her husband, Skip; her 3 children, Chelsie, Jeramie (Gary), Adam (Jessica); and her 5 grandkids, Jackson “Jack”, Monroe “Roe”, Porter “Port”, Lona “Missy”, and Angeles “Leo”. She is also survived by her brother, Robert (Judy); nephew, Brandon; her uncle, Bob; cousins, Denny and family, Billy Ray and family, her sister-in-law, Diane, her two brothers-in-law, Mike (Madeline) and Tim (Jan), Bobbie Acosta; cousins, Dickey, Dianna, Chaco, Peggy, Becky, Gail, Mickey; and her Acosta nieces and nephews.
Special gratitude for the love and support through life to BJ Johnson and family, Audra Woolstenhulme and family, John and Linda Green, and the Taylor family.
A Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm, on Friday, January 24, 2020, at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Guests are encouraged to use the complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building.
Recitation of the Holy Rosary will begin at 10:00 am, on Saturday, January 25, followed by the celebration of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 am at St. Vincent Catholic Church, 1375 Spring Lane, Salt Lake City, UT. All are invited to the luncheon immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in honor of Joyce can be made to the Nano Nagle Children’s Center at St.Vincent de Paul Parish School to carry on Mrs. Acosta’s love of children and education.
Donations can be made online, please designate donation to: Nano Nagle
Or by mail:
In Honor of Joyce Ann (Helton) Acosta
Nano Nagle Children’s Center 1385 E. Spring Lane Holladay, 84117
In Loving Memory
She was a great person and family friend had a big and loving heart she will be missed but never forgotten sending prayers and good thoughts during this difficult time
Tom Stenzel
Cortez, CO
Sending all of my love to your family. I didn’t get a chance to know Mrs. Acosta, but I do know Chelsie to her core, so I know that Mrs. Acosta had a beautiful soul and heart of gold. Chelsie, you make her proud everyday. ❤️
Erika Chavarria
Columbia, MD
Our deepest sympathy in the loss of your beautiful wife, mother, grandmother & friend. Love Rudy & Connie Acosta
Rudy & Connie Acosta
Sahuarita, Az
In the two years that I worked with Joyce, she was so much to me: an exemplar, a confidant, a cheerleader, an embodied hug, a leader, a friend. She knew me in my darkest and most challenging times as I battled post-partum depression and anxiety. I don't think she even knew the level of her impact on me. She was a true godsend and angel. She lifted me up daily with her mere presence and encouragement of me. She empowered me in two treasured roles, as a mother and as an educator. I'm grateful for the Joyce-shaped part of my soul.
Katie Nelson
Sandy, UT
My first grade teacher, and great friend. You raised a fine family, Mrs. Acosta. I'm so glad I was able to meet, learn, and interact with you. You have been a true light to all of us. I will miss you until we meet again.
George DeLorean
SLC, UT
So glad I was able to see Joyce and spend time with her at treatment. It was also great to be surrounded by her sweet husband, daughters and good friend. She was a great teacher and friend, she was generous, headstrong, genuine. She's a warrior. Love you Joyce!
Sara Anderson
Sandy, UT
My thoughts and prayers are with this amazing family!! May God give them the strength to move on during this hard time������������
Milton Collins
Salt Lake City, Ut
Oh Joyce, I can't believe you're gone. This really can't be true. You were the best friend ever! You were a fantastic teacher I was in awe of. Fortunately, your spirit will continue through your family. And what a family they are!!! Enjoy your time in heaven with your parents. Kiss my babies for me. I love you so much dear friend. "See ya"
Pat (Patricia) Lee
St. George, UT
Chelsie and all the Acosta family -- My heart goes out to you with the passing of Joyce. I am so glad I had the opportunity to know her. I wish you all peace at this difficult time.
Jennifer Boehme
Murray, UT
Oh Joyce, I am going to miss you so much. You were such a kind person to me at Edgemont. You never taught my boys but you sure loved them. I can’t believe you are gone. You are missed by so many. ❤️❤️Love you my friend.
Jeannine Cardenaz
Sandy, UT
Chelsie, Adam, Jeramie and Skip- I an so sorry to hear about Joyce. She was such an important part of our family for many years. Deepest condolences from Reese and me and Daks and Maddie. You are in our hearts.
Linda Howell
Salt Lake City, Ut
Skip, I am so sorry for your loss. I just finished watching the video and it is apparent that the two of you had an amazing life together, filled with family and friends. My deepest sympathy my friend.
Brent Rammell
Salt Lake City, UT
I worked with Joyce at Edgemont Elementary. She was an amazing teacher and wonderful friend. She talked about and loved her family so much. I'm sorry for your loss! May my thoughts and prayers be with you at this difficult time. Love, Marilynn Hampton
Marilynn Hampton
Sandy,, UT
Thinking of you all at this difficult time. You’re mother was such a lovely person, with such a big heart! We just love your family and send our deepest sympathy. God bless. love, Richard and Caryn Hunt Valerie Del Porto
Caryn Hunt
Salt Lake City, Ut
Joyce taught my son last year and she was amazing!! She related to him so well through sports and he was always excited to be able to tell Mrs. Acosta about his games or whatever sports were in season. I love her and my world is seriously a better place because of this beautiful woman! Sending prayers and condolences to the family.
Becca Brough
Sandy, Ut
Dear Skip and Family. My prayers are for all of you. Fond memories of Cobre High School Years. She is at rest. Much love, Sam Class of 64
Sam Baca
Deming, NM
Dear Skip and Family. My prayers are for all of you. Fond memories of Cobre High School Years. She is at rest. Much love, Sam Class of 64
Sam Baca
Deming, NM
I taught across the hall from Joyce for one year. She was delightful as a person, very helpful and kind, and a great teacher! She came with her grandkids to support me when I directed a directed “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” It meant a lot to me. I really respected her devotion to God.
Melanie Kieffer Hancock
nan, AZ
Dear Skip and family, I am so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. Remembering the days we were neighbors at Plano Colorado Estates years ago. Then later on we were all in SLC together for a short time. You and Joyce always included us in your family events and gatherings. She was so very welcoming. I will never forget that and will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Debbie Petree
Milan, NM