Obituary of Joycelyn Lorraine Grannum

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joycelyn (Joyce) Lorraine Grannum, affectionately known as “Granny” to many. Joyce passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 24, 2025, at Credit Valley Hospital, surrounded by her loving family. She lived fully, loved boldly, and left an unforgettable mark on every life she touched.

She was born on August 23, 1943, in Mile and a Quarter, St. Peter, Barbados, to her parents Howard and Rosalie Grannum. In 1971, she immigrated to Canada, where she raised her four children in Toronto before later settling in Mississauga.

Joyce will be lovingly remembered by her husband and the love of her life for 54 years, George Clarke; her children Jaqueline (David), Frederick (Rachelle), Abigail (Andre), and George; her step daughter Joy (Patrick); and her foster daughter Sabrina. She will forever be missed by her grandchildren Danielle (Jevon), Courtland (Brittney), Gabrielle (Rudolph), Miguel (Danisha), Samuel (Shaenor), D’Angelo, Juwon, Xavier (Rachelle), Shyheim, Tianna, Essynce, Jada, Tristan, Siyanna, Samara, Aria, and Carissa, and by her 25 great grandchildren.

She will be warmly remembered by her surviving sisters Pearline (Mike, predeceased), Margaret (Grafton, predeceased), Sybil (James, predeceased), Yvonne (Bill), and Eugene (Dudley, predeceased), as well as her sister in law Cassie. Joyce was predeceased by her siblings Darnley, Courtney, Rita, Marjorie, Thelma, Erla, Francina, Oliver, Clyde, and Bryan.

Joyce leaves behind her adored nieces Donna, Nicki, Tricia, Nadia, Jamalda, Andrea, Cherri, Shelly, Shalon, and Ashley, and nephews Rodney, Patrick, David, Steve, Kervon, Wayne, Robert, and Rommell, along with many additional nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who love her dearly.

She was a lifelong friend to Greta Carrington, Bev Gibson, Maude Clarke, the Herbert sisters (Beverly and Hazel), Natalie Yearwood, Jane Riley, and Hilda Clarke, as well as family friends to the Clarke and Johnson families.

Joyce was a skilled seamstress who devoted her life to caring for children, first as a caregiver and later in Child and Youth Services, where she served with compassion and dedication as a one to one Resource Worker in a girls group home and later as a foster parent.

She was a lover of the arts, especially music and poetry, and was known for having what her family lovingly called “a voice of a lark.” She was a beautiful, charismatic force of nature whose presence filled every room, whose laughter was contagious, and whose love was unmistakable. She also had a green thumb and found deep joy and peace in gardening, often spending her afternoons tending to her flowers and vegetables alongside her grandchildren.

Joyce loved to cook and was an avid baker; many will always remember her famous fried chicken and sweetbreads, with the signature swirl, and her mouth watering fish cakes. The ultimate hostess, she had a gift for bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome and at home. A natural caregiver, she mothered many beyond her biological children. She was deeply loving, fiercely loyal, and endlessly giving, a woman whose strength and warmth shaped everyone blessed to know her.

She was a devoted Christian and a faithful member of St. Paul’s Anglican Church, and she is now in eternal rest with the Lord.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Credit Valley Hospital for their compassionate care and support, and to all those who have supported us with kindness, generosity, and unconditional love during this difficult time.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW JOYCELYN'S FUNERAL SERVICE