Joyce E. Worcester

Joyce Elaine (Walrod) Worcester, 79, went home to the Lord on Monday, October 5, 2026, at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS. 

She was born in Fort Scott, KS, to Loyd and Mable (Cook) Taiclet on March 13, 1947. She attended school at West Liberty and Fulton High School where she met and fell in love with Dwight Anthony Walrod. She and Tony married on September 3, 1965, and made their home in Fort Scott. They raised two children, Paul and Brenda. 

Joyce started her career as a “Western Girl” at Western Insurance Company while Tony was serving in the Army. She spent most of her working years at the Family Physicians clinic as a medical records supervisor and later worked as the activity director for Presbyterian Village. Always known as the “Busy Bee,” she will be remembered for cake decorating, ceramics, bowling, making her famous Cherry Delight, and stopping at all garage sales. She was a gifted pianist and loved music.

Their lives were forever changed when Tony was killed in a car accident in 1988. But Joyce continued to love and lead her family with grace and strength. She leaned on her faith and was involved in the ministry of First Church of God in Fort Scott. Joyce also shared a special bond with her mother, Mable, who she loved and cared for all of the days of her life.

Joyce was blessed with another spouse to share the later years of her life.She married William Worcester on July 2, 2005, in Hiawatha, KS, where she joined Bill in his ministry there. After retiring, they made their home in Topeka where they were members of First Christian Church of Topeka. Joyce was a beloved greeter, Sunday School attendee, and card maker. Joyce and Bill shared 21 years of marriage enjoying their growing family, going to movies, watching soccer, and travelling to destinations such as London, Hawaii, the Grand Canyon, Niagara Falls, and Multnomah Falls.

She was greatly loved and will be deeply missed by her husband Bill, of Topeka; her mother, Mable Taiclet, of Holton; her son Paul Walrod (Cherri) of Fort Scott; her daughter, Brenda Sites (Brad) of Columbia, MO; Bill’s daughter Traci Powers (Kevin) of Branson, MO; Bill’s son Eric Worcester (Laura) of Jackson Hole, WY; grandchildren Loryn Woodworth (Andrew), Landon Walrod (Jaine), Jamison Walrod (Ciera), Jintry Phillips (Will), Simon Walrod, Samara Walrod, Karly Walrod, Kolson Walrod, Carter Worcester, Maya Worcester, and Avason-Bae Powers; great grandchildren Vivien, Kristin, Ivan, Theo, Luella, Jackson, and Samuel. She was preceded in death by her father, her first husband, her brother Joe Taiclet, and infant sister Judy Ann Taiclet.

A Celebration of Life will be held at First Christian Church of Topeka (Disciples of Christ), 1880 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66604, on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10:00 AM under the direction of Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home. A memorial gathering will also be held in Fort Scott at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to First Christian Church of Topeka (Disciples of Christ), 1880 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS, 66604.

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