Born in Burlington, VT because it was hospital chosen by parents - no hospital in Georgia. Lived in Georgia, VT on original homestead settled by Sylvester White in 1790's. Went to grades 1-4 at Stone School - one room school house holding eight grades. Entered new centralized Georgia Elementary for grades 5-8. High school at Bellows Free Academy in St. Albans - (valedictorian, National Honor Society, basketball team). Graduated 1967. Graduated University of Vermont in 1971, Cum Laude, major in French. Spent Junior year at the University of Nice, France.
[Obituary] The Burlington Free Press - 7 Oct 2018
Richmond - Joyce A. White, 68, passed away peacefully at her home in Richmond surrounded by her loved ones on Wednesday, October 3, 2018. Joyce was born on October 11, 1949 in Burlington to Murl and Doris (Haylette) White. Joyce grew up on the family dairy farm in Georgia, VT and attended the one-room Stone Schoolhouse until the new Georgia Elementary School was built. She graduated from Bellows Free Academy in St Albans in 1967, where she was class valedictorian. She was awarded a scholarship to the University of Vermont, where she spent her junior year abroad in France. Joyce was elected to Phi Beta Kappa and graduated cum laude with a B.A. degree in French in 1971. After graduation, Joyce worked at Bolton Valley Ski Area, where she met the love of her life, John Hamerslough. Joyce and John were married on September 16, 1977 in Richmond, where they have lived ever since. Joyce and John traveled across the U.S. and to many foreign countries together. Joyce went back to school at UVM while raising two sons. She attained her CPA, and worked for many years in public accounting, most recently for Marsh Management Services in Burlington. Joyce was very active in her community, volunteering with the Cub Scouts, the Richmond Library, and the Richmond Historical Society, where she served as Treasurer for many years and gave tours of the Round Church. She loved reading and playing Mah Jongg with her family and friends. Joyce was also very interested in genealogy, and she published two books, one on the White Family of Georgia, and one on the Brown Family of Jericho (her mother's family.) Joyce exhibited the paradoxical nature of seeming stoic, intellectual, level-headed and sensible on the exterior, while those who knew her best experienced her true personality as also being deeply loyal to family, genuine, loving, gentle, kind, exceptionally generous and thoughtful. The phrase "still waters run deep" describes her essence well. She had a warmth about her that made all those around her feel welcome and at ease. Joyce shined in her role as grandmother from the moment her first grandchild was born five years ago, and was dedicated to building a strong relationship with all of them and having them know her as an unconditional, steady source of support, comfort, and love. A determined soul, she ardently pursued this endeavor even after being diagnosed with stage IV breast cancer over two years ago, which ultimately claimed her life. She is dearly loved and missed. Joyce was pre-deceased by her parents, Murl and Doris White and her niece Sandra Townsend. She is survived by her husband, John Hamerslough, sons Ben (Mara Neary) Hammerslough and Noah (Jasmine) Hamerslough, her beloved grandsons Alexander, Ethan and Isaac Hamerslough and Finn Hammerslough, three sisters Kathi (Bob) Miller, Shelley Tipper, and Sandy (Brian Kinsman) White, brothers-in-law Phil (Cindy) Hammerslough and Jimmy Hammer, an aunt, Carol Wry, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In accordance with Joyce's wishes, an informal outdoor memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 13th at 11:00 a.m. at the White Family farm land in Georgia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Richmond Historical Society.