With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Joyce Marie Sorenson, who passed away in Cedar City, Utah, on December 28, 2024, at the age of 71 at 7:52 p.m.
She pursued her passion for education attending Southern Utah University (SUU), where she met her husband, Jim Sorenson. They married on February 22, 1974, in St. George, Utah, beginning a journey that took them from the red rocks of Utah to the plains of Kansas in 1985. Their marriage was filled with joy, laughter, and cherished card games with close friends Aaron and Razal Robison. In Overland Park, Kansas, they raised their three children, Travis, Laura, and Nathan, with Joyce dedicating countless hours cheering them on at baseball and softball games. Her warm heart shone through in her work at Gordmans and ½ Price store, and in the loving daycare she provided from their home.
Following her divorce in 2002, Joyce returned to her beloved Cedar City with Nathan. There, she found immense fulfillment supporting Nathan’s musical talents and working with special needs children at a local school. During the summers, she joyfully volunteered at the Shakespearean Festival at SUU, sharing her love of the arts with the community.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Joyce served faithfully in numerous callings, particularly enjoying her work with children. The opening of the Cedar City Temple was a source of immense joy for her. Her kindness extended far beyond her church community; she cherished her lifelong friend Bonita and next door neighbor Debbie Bell and her other close friendships, and delighted in the visits and company of her children and their families. She watched with immense pride as her nine grandchildren flourished, and eagerly welcomed the arrival of her tenth grandchild in early December. The family was able to create cherished memories together this past summer, celebrating Nathan’s wedding in Florida.
For the past 22 years, Joyce dedicated herself to the selfless care of her mother and younger sister, a devotion that spoke volumes about her compassionate and giving nature. This unwavering commitment defined her character and underscored her profound love for her family.
Beyond her tireless family responsibilities, Joyce found joy in the simple pleasures of life. A devoted fan of the Utah Jazz and Kansas City Chiefs, she found respite and excitement in cheering on her favorite teams. She also cherished the quiet moments spent immersed in a good book, the creative challenge of building Legos, and the artistic pursuit of photography, particularly capturing images of her family and the vibrant beauty of cardinals. Most importantly, she treasured the time spent with the people she loved, cherishing every connection and creating lasting memories.
Joyce is survived by her three children, Travis (Sandy Hills) Sorenson, Laura (Allan) Hackett, and Nathan (Emily) Sorenson; and her ten cherished grandchildren Jackson, Jasper, Jacek and Jagan Hills-Sorenson, Allan, Hailey, Makayla, Kiley and Aidan Hackett, and Declan Sorenson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Marie and Budd Munford, and her brother, Kent Munford.
Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at the Cedar 4th Ward Building (500 W 400 N, Cedar City, UT). A viewing will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. prior to the service at the same location. Interment will follow at the Cedar City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary. Online condolences may be offered at www.mortuary.org.
Flowers may be sent to Southern Utah Mortuary, 190 North 300 West, Cedar City, Utah 84720.