1940 ~ 2026
Joyce Mills McDonald
1940 – 2026
Joyce Mills McDonald passed away peacefully and free from pain on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Joyce was born on June 04, 1940 in Fillmore to Melburn L. Brunson and Ruby Shaw. A woman of gentle laughter and a caring heart, Joyce’s legacy is defined by the warmth she brought into every room, the ease it was to make her giggle, and the deep connections she maintained with those she loved.
Joyce grew up in a close-knit community, graduating from Millard High School before attending LDS Business College. She dedicated much of her professional life to the insurance industry, where her colleagues and clients knew her as a pillar of reliability. Her friendly nature turned business transactions into lasting relationships, and she was a constant source of support for her mother, Ruby.
Joyce was blessed with two meaningful marriages. She and her first husband, Jay Mills, shared many happy years together, traveling and collecting "special treasures" and memories. When Jay fell ill, Joyce was his primary caregiver, staying by his side throughout his battle with cancer until his passing.
In later years, Joyce’s zest for life led her to the local senior center, where she stayed active through line dancing and community events. It was during this chapter that she met and married Brent McDonald, with whom she shared her life until his passing eighteen months ago.
Joyce was especially close with her sister, Brenda, with whom she loved walking with often, and she cherished her long phone calls with her brother, Dean. She was often found enjoying a good meal and even better conversation with her cousins. They would often share stories about their families, knowing their parents would be so happy seeing the family gathering, sharing and enjoying one another’s company.
Family was the heartbeat of Joyce’s world. She shared an inseparable bond with her sister and brother, and cherished her role as an aunt and stepmother.
Joyce was preceded in death by her Father, Melburn L. Brunson, Mother, Ruby Shaw Brunson, as well as her husbands, Jay Mills and Brent McDonald
She is survived by her brother; Dean (Hideko) Brunson of Japan, and his children, Detra, Laura, and Michael.Her sister; Brenda (Gaylen) Jensen of Holladay, and their children, Amy and Alan. Her stepdaughter: Shirlene (DB) Bench; and several grandnieces and grandnephews.
She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, her laughter, and the unwavering kindness and warmth she brought into a room. She will be deeply missed. Her legacy is in every life she touched.
Joyce will be laid to rest, next to her first husband, at a future date in the Mount Pleasant cemetery during a private Graveside service.