Joyce W. Weaver, who served as an Aviation Machinist Mate 3rd class in the Navy during WWII passed away Thursday, June 15, 2023. She was over 100 years old. Joyce, a Member of American Legion Post 68 Merchantville, had lived in Mount Ephraim N.J. for 73 years.

Born and raised in Barrington NJ, she graduated Haddon Heights High School and was employed at Photo Developing Inc. Front Street Camden N.J., from November 1940 until to November 1942.

On October 19, 1942 she enlisted in The United States Navy. She was in the first group of WAVES to be sent to Boot Camp. She attended The Naval Training School in Cedar Falls Iowa, for 4 weeks and then The Naval Air Technical Training Center, Memphis Tennessee for 21 weeks. Upon completion of her training she was stationed at Naval Air Station, Norman, Oklahoma. At Norman she was a mechanic working on the Spearman (Boeing) Model 75 airplane, which is a biplane used as a military trainer aircraft. Her specialty was working on and repairing magnetos. She was honorably discharged on September 1, 1946. During her enlistment she was awarded the American Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. She then enlisted in The Navy Reserve from September 1, 1946 to February 28, 1949.

After her discharge in 1946 she attempted to join The American Legion. The American Legion members did not want females among their ranks. So, Joyce and a number of female veterans applied to The American Legion to form their own Chapter. On May 5th 1946 an article in The Courier Post announced that "5 New Legion Posts organized in County", one of which was a Woman's Group named American Legion "Ruth Altone" Post 374. Joyce was a charter member, serving as Junior Vice Commander.

Joyce married John Weaver in 1947 and they raised 3 sons, Bruce (Carol), Barry (Valorie) and John (Pat) in Mount Ephraim N.J., where she currently resides for the past 73 years.

She has 6 grandchildren, Bruce Jr. (Ginny), Mark (Suzzette), Kristen (Rich), Jackie, John Jr. and Scott (Amber). She has 3 great grandchildren, Jason, Tyler and Kaitlyn. She recently welcomed her 1st great-great-grandchild Kayn.
Joyce is also a charter member of "Women in Military Service for America".

Joyce was an avid sports fan. Loves her Phillies and Eagles, however, she is a fanatic about her Phillies. She has not been able to attend the games in person for a few years, but always watches them on TV.

Arrangements under the direction of the Gaskill-Brown Funeral Home, 33 West Maple Avenue, Merchantville.  Interment and military honors were held in Locustwood Cemetery, Cherry Hill.