Joyce Carolyn Adams

Joyce Carolyn Adams, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 1, 2026 in St. George, Utah, at the age of 88, surrounded by her loving family.

Joyce was born on December 31, 1937, the very last day of the year, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Duwayne Heber Giles and Elizabeth “Lois” Hess Giles. She was the second of five children, and the only daughter. Joyce was born during the great depression. She was raised on a small farm on the outskirts of Salt Lake City, in a place then known as Chesterfield, Utah.

Her father was a roofer by trade. During the winter months he had a difficult time making a living, so in 1945, when Joyce was seven-years-old, the family moved to southern California so her father could work year-round. She was raised in Whittier, California, and graduated in 1956 from Whittier High School before later attending Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

Joyce met the love of her life, Steven Douglas Adams, while chaperoning an LDS youth activity. They courted for three beautiful years before being sealed for time and all eternity in the Los Angeles California LDS Temple on October 2, 1976. Sadly, she passed away one day shy of their 50th wedding anniversary. Together, they and Joyce’s five children shared many wonderful years, enjoying numerous church callings, activities, and lifelong friendships in the Panorama City Ward. With their family raised and most of their children grown, Steve and Joyce relocated from Arleta, California to St. George, Utah in 1985. Joyce was a dedicated and hard worker, holding several positions in St. George over the years, including roles at SkyWest Airlines and the St. George Care and Rehabilitation Center.

Joyce was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and an active member of the Bloomington Hills 3rd Ward. Throughout her life she served anywhere she was asked to. She served as president of both the Young Women and Relief Society organizations. But, by far, her favorite callings were working with the Youth and serving in the Primary as a Sunbeam teacher where she was able to teach several of her own grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her unwavering love of family. Joyce lived a life rooted in love, devotion, and deep connection to her loved ones. Her warmth, grace, and steady presence were the cornerstone of her home. Her passing leaves an irreplaceable void in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. As a mother and a matriarch, Joyce dedicated her life to nurturing her family, creating a legacy of kindness and strength that will live on through the generations she leaves behind. Her family will forever cherish the memory of her final moments, spent in the quiet comfort of their love.

Joyce is survived by her beloved husband, Steven Douglas Adams; her 5 devoted children Carrie Lyn Boyajian (Harry), Lauri Kay Karratti (Eldon), Lisa Renee Audiss (Jeffrey), Robin Marcelle Laurent (Nicolas), and Craig Allen Stahl; her 18 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy to her life. She is also survived by her brother, Roger Duwayne Giles (Anne).

She was preceded in death by her parents; 3 brothers, Richard Philip Giles, David LeRoy Giles (Francisca “Fresca”), and Stephen Michael Giles, as well as many dear family and friends.

The family wishes to extend their sincere appreciation to the amazing staff at St. George Regional Hospital and DaVita Dixie Dialysis and Applegate HomeCare & Hospice facilities.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, October 23, 2026, at the Bloomington Hills Stake Center of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, located at 1130 E. Brigham Road, St. George, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 am to 10:45 am MST, followed by the memorial service at 11:00 am MST. A private family interment will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Kaysville City Cemetery, 500 E. Crestwood Road, Kaysville, Utah.

Her legacy of love and service will be remembered by all who know her. 

“All that I am or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” – Abraham Lincoln

Funeral Services may be viewed by clicking on the livestream below.