Joyce L. Alford

MADISON- Rev. Joyce L. Alford, age 74, died unexpectedly on Wednesday, September 3, 2008, at St. Mary's Hospital. She was born July 16, 1934, in Clyman, WI, to parents Burr and Alice (Clapp) Alford. Joyce graduated from the Methodist Hospital School of Nursing in Madison in 1955, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1959 and a Master of Science in Nursing in 1961 from Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. She was the Director of Methodist Hospital School of Nursing and the Director of Nursing of the former Methodist Hospital in Madison. In 1983, she graduated from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary and was ordained an Elder in the Wisconsin Conference of The United Methodist Church in 1985. Joyce was a pastor at Poynette-Inch and Richland Center: Peace United Methodist Churches and served as the Southeast District Superintendent. Following retirement she served as Registrar for the Board of Ordained Ministry of the Wisconsin Conference and as Administrative Assistant to the Secretary of the Council of Bishops of The United Methodist Church from 1997 to 2004. Joyce volunteered her time and skills in many areas including: Access Community Health Centers, Habitat Restore and The New Church Initiative in Russia. Joyce was a Packer fan and she loved UW Athletics, especially hockey, basketball, football and volleyball. She enjoyed boating and fishing and was a skilled picture framer. She is survived by her nephew, Jack (Mary Beth) Hildebrandt of Madison; nieces, Cheryl Chevalier and Sharon (Don) Croft; three grandnieces and one grandnephew; cousin, Edward (Joyce) Clapp of Madison; friends, Rev. Chris Bethke of Madison and Rev. Beth Benham of Edwardsville, NY; and her two Siamese cats, George and Abby. She was preceded in death by her sister, Charlotte Hildebrandt. A memorial service will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2008, at FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, 203 Wisconsin Avenue, Madison, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Officiating will be Bishop Linda Lee, Bishop Don Ott and Bishop Sharon Zimmerman Rader. A private burial will be held in Randolph, WI. Memorials may be made to Divine Savior United Methodist Church, Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary or Access Community Health Centers for Benevolent Care.