Joyce Billings

A generous heart, friend to all, Joyce Billings passed away at age 69 surrounded by family and friends on June 20, 2016. She fought a three-year battle with ovarian cancer. Joyce was born in Salt Lake City and graduated from Highland High School in 1965 and BYU in 1969, with a degree in P.E. and Health. Her career included teaching at Kearns High School for eight years, after which she helped manage "Shivers," her family's business with her sister Nancy. She also received a Real Estate license, worked at Deer Valley for 25 years as a Salad Chef, and of late became a Starter at Bountiful Ridge Golf Course where everyone loved her. Joyce's love of life and the ability to connect with people became her true claim to fame! One never felt judged by her.

At the age of 11, Joyce joined the Junior Girls League, and from then on, her competitive nature combined with a natural ability, hard work, and practice, won her many local and national golf tournaments. Her love of the sport led to changing the level of play for women while fighting for equal time on the golf courses. She was always willing to share her skills and expertise in a humble and thoughtful way. Her friends played many a round of golf with her over the past 58 years and always loved the experience. Over the years, Joyce was also President of the Women's Utah Golf Association, and held several other leadership roles for many State and National golf tournaments. The name Joyce Billings became an icon to women golfers all over the state of Utah.

Many enjoyed Joyce's annual whitewater runs down the Snake River in her rafts every summer since 1978. Joyce also enjoyed gambling and a good game of bingo with friends. However, the greatest legacy that Joyce leaves behind is a selfless heart, unconditional love, seeing things from another's point of view, and a reputation for being friendly and kind to all. During her final days on earth as she looked back on her life, she expressed to others that she had "no regrets!" Truly a legacy to leave.

Joyce is survived by her kitty Micki, by her sister Nancy (Barr) Edgington, and by her nieces and nephews Todd (Vicki) Edgington, Lori (Bryan) Young, RJ Edgington, Cheri Edgington, and Jodi (Rory) Sorensen-all of which she considered and treated as her own children. She also loved Nancy and Barr's 14 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Joyce is preceded in death by her parents Dick and Una Billings, grandparents, nephew Jordan Edgington, and all of her beloved cats. A special thank you to Carolina Piedras, Sandra Garcia, and Pat Dalpiaz for their special care and concern during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce expressed her desire for donations to be made towards the care of her nephew who was paralyzed in an accident in January 2016. Please send contributions to Todd Edgington at 3063 E. 3300 S. Salt Lake City, Utah 84109.

Always remember girls, as you continue your golf play, keep your feet quiet; maintain your one-piece takeaway; and hold your head still while putting – because Joyce will be watching from above while leaning on that special Driver she finally found in heaven.

A celebration of her life will be held on Monday, June 27th from 7:00 to 9:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Complimentary valet parking provided on the north side of the building. Funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 28th at 11:00 AM, with a visitation one hour prior to the service all at Starks Funeral Parlor. Graveside service to follow at Wasatch Lawn Cemetery, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City.  Video Tribute forthcoming.