Joyce Arlene Anderson Wise was born in Davenport, Iowa, to Mildred and Richard Anderson on April 1, 1936. She spent her early years in Terre Haute, Indiana, where the Anderson house was filled with gentle love and humor. Raised within the Swedish Lutheran tradition, Joyce grew up surrounded by song. She was an accomplished pianist, whether performing Chopin or playing Christmas carols for the annual family gathering. She loved to sing and was a devoted fan of Broadway musicals.

In 1954, Joyce entered Wittenberg University, where she fell in love with fellow student, George Wise. They were married in 1959 and were soulmates-intellectual equals and avid tennis partners- until George’s death in 1999. Tragedy struck their marriage early when they lost their firstborn son, Jeffrey, on the second day of his life. They went on to become deeply loving parents to their two children, Bart and Amy.

Joyce and George shared many enriching experiences as they worked during the summers at Glacier, Grand Canyon, and Yosemite National Parks, and were a part of campus life at the Universities of Chicago, Connecticut, Kentucky, Missouri and Missouri State. As George taught at each of these institutions, Joyce taught in elementary schools, then worked as a Child Development Specialist at Mid-Missouri Mental Health Center in Columbia, Missouri. She later became a therapist for severely emotionally traumatized preschoolers, directing the Children’s Day Treatment Program at Burrell Mental Health Center in Springfield, Missouri. Joyce was president of the Child Advocacy Council, wrote a monthly parenting column for the local newspaper, and earned a master’s degree in her field.

Joyce was an extraordinary mother and mother-in-law, with a special gift for children – none more cherished than those who called her Grammy. She loved her family deeply and spent her retirement years traveling to be an active part of their lives. Known for her endless patience, attentive listening, and generous wisdom, she continued to support and guide her children and grandchildren until her death.

Joyce was an exceptional friend, and her friendships enriched her life through many moves from city to city. In Springfield, she and three close friends formed a group they called “The Great Minds,” meeting weekly to study academic DVDs and explore subjects ranging from anthropology to philosophy. An avid traveler, Joyce delighted in exploring the world with both friends and family.

In 2018, Joyce suffered another profound loss with the death of her son Bart at age 54 from pancreatic cancer. In 2021, she moved from Springfield to the Verena Community in Raleigh, North Carolina, to be near her daughter Amy. At age 85, Joyce once again built a vibrant circle of friends through her active participation in community life and the warmth and generosity she brought to every relationship.

Joyce passed away on December 29, 2025. She was dearly loved. Throughout her life, she faced loss with grace, always showing love for those left behind. She remained gracious and funny, kind and fair. Joyce is deeply missed by her family and by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George William Wise, and her sons, Jeffrey Tim Wise and Bart William Wise.

She is survived by daughter Amy Elizabeth Wise Legge (Steve), daughter-in-law Nancy Reiter Wise; grandchildren Josh Legge, Ryan Legge, Tucker Wise, and Tessa Wise; her sister Shirley Anderson Tranquill (Gary), sister-in-law Judy Wise and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at Renaissance Funeral Home, 7615 Six Forks Road, Raleigh, NC 27615.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joyce’s memory to PBS NC or the Lustgarten Pancreatic Cancer Research Organization.

The family is grateful to the ICU nurses and doctors at WakeMed North for the exceptional care Joyce received.