Joyce Spach Clark

Joyce Goodson Spach Clark was born on November 4, 1953 in Durham, North Carolina, the daughter of Dr. Madison Spach (who, at 98, resides in Durham) and Cecilia Goodson Spach (who passed away in 2018, both originally being from Winston Salem). She was preceded in death by her husband John Clark.

Joyce lived in the Durham/Chapel Hill area her entire life until she passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025. She was a very proud graduate of the University of North Carolina Nursing School. She worked for 25 years as an intensive care pediatric nurse until she retired due to the health challenges she faced throughout her entire adult life. Notwithstanding those difficulties, Joyce never lost her sense of wit and sense of closeness with her family. She was especially proud of her two daughters, Jessica Clark (who resides in Greensboro with her husband Temere Rountree and their dogs), and Lara Sherwin (who resides in Pittsboro with her husband Steve Sherwin. Together they have three kids: Donald (8), Henry (6) and Madison (almost 4!).

Joyce never tired of telling stories about the wonderful things done by her daughters and her three grandchildren, and often recalled the mischievous antics and close affection she as a youngster shared with her siblings. She still tried to “boogie down” as best as possible in bed despite her being unable to walk. She spoke often of her love and gratitude for the life her mother and father had given her. She is survived by her devoted sister Susan French (who resides in Fort Collins, Colorado. Susan made frequent trips to Durham to visit with Joyce), and her brothers Dr. David Spach (who resides in Washington) and Madison Spach, Jr. (who resides in California).

Joyce will be laid to rest, as she strongly desired, in the Maplewood Cemetery beside her mother, who she cherished.