Born in Magna, Utah to Orien Green and Jessie Meadowcroft. Her parents later divorced and Jessie married Bob Hammer. When Joyce was still a baby her family moved to San Francisco where they remained until she was a teenager. Upon moving back to Salt Lake City Joyce graduated from West High School. Joyce married Sidney Benson in 1950 and they made their home in Kearns, Utah shortly after. They divorced after 32 years of marriage but remained good friends until Sid's death in 1999. Joyce worked as an Accountant Technician for the Utah Department of Workforce Services for 30 years and did not retire until she was 76 years old. Her body betrayed her early, but even though she was in great pain she never complained and stayed independent until the last 2 years of her life. Joyce was a heck of a lot of fun and her loud, infectious laugh was one of her most memorable attributes. Family was everything for Joyce and when she heard the words "Grandma Joyce" she was totally happy.
She was preceded in death by her parents and her oldest grandson Max. Joyce is survived by her only child, Danielle Benson Turner, her grandson Doug and his wife Amy, and the joys of her life: great-grandchildren Milo and Lola; she is also survived by her sister Jennie Hammer and brother Frank Hammer.
A short, casually dressed graveside service will be held Thursday, July 9, 2015 at 11:00am in the Salt Lake City Cemetery, 11th Avenue, North East section. A Celebratory toast and lunch will follow. Family suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Big Brothers/Big Sisters or the Wildlife Foundation.
