Obituary for Barbara “Joyce” Baker Kemp Barbara “Joyce” Baker Kemp, 79, passed away November 24, 2018, at her home in South Jordan, Utah, with family at her side. She was born December 24, 1938, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Loren Arthur and Velma Reese Baker. She married James Leo Kemp, Jr. in Salt Lake City, Utah, on September 12, 1958.
They celebrated 40 years of marriage together. She was a dedicated and loving wife to Jimmy and provided tender care and unconditional love to him for over 30 years as he suffered from Multiple Sclerosis. Joyce grew up on Creek Road and graduated from Jordan High School and Excelsior Cosmetology School.
She and Jimmy made their home and raised their family in Midvale, Utah. Joyce worked for many years and retired from Napa Balkamp. She volunteered with the Midvale Lion’s Club working alongside her husband to promote their cause of providing sight to those in need.
Joyce loved full moons and holidays, especially Christmas. Her Christmas tree was always a work of art with every light and ornament positioned perfectly. Her home was beautifully decorated.
Every year she hosted a Christmas Eve celebration at her home, which was even more special because it was her birthday. She was an excellent cook and made the best Thanksgiving dinners ever. Joyce and Jimmy warmly welcomed many friends into their home, which was always open to others… especially those without a place to go.
She loved and cared for many cats and dogs. Joyce had a green thumb and any plant or flower she touched blossomed beautifully. She enjoyed canning fresh vegetables and fruits.
In the early years of their marriage, she and Jimmy enjoyed camping and fishing. She enjoyed reading, jigsaw puzzles, playing solitaire on her iPad, and glass figurines. Her most cherished pasttime was the time she spent with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Her life and thoughts were devoted to them until the end. She also lovingly cared for many children and enjoyed having them in her home. She enjoyed shopping and had exquisite taste in clothing and jewelry.
She is survived by her children: Sheri Kemp Kerr, Kerry Kemp Dalling (Roger), Linda Kemp Klemm (Steve); 7 grandchildren: David Aaron Wilson, Lacee Klemm, Tawny Dawn Hossner, Jessica Linda Guest (Ryan), Taylor Danielle Bryant (James), Luke James Dalling, Nicole Kassandra Kerr; 5 great grandchildren: Aria Cine, Tyge Bryant, Kaymen Cine, Cruz Bryant, and Apollo Dalling. She is also survived by her cherished nephew, Robert Baker; and her sister-in-law, Michelle Baker (Doug). She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and siblings: Loren Larry Baker and Chester “Chip” Arthur Baker.
Sincere thanks and appreciation to those who loved and cherished her throughout her life: her loving daughters and their spouses; grandchildren and great grandchildren; her nephew, Robert Baker; her sister-in-law, Michelle Baker; and her friend, Cindy Sharp. A special thanks to those who helped her pass in her last days: her three daughters, Sheri, Kerry, and Linda; granddaughter, Tawny Hossner; nephew, Robert Baker; sister-in-law, Michelle Baker; grandson, Aaron Wilson; friend, Cindy Sharp; granddaughters, Taylor Dalling Bryant, Jessica Dalling Guest, Nicole Kassandra Kerr, Lacee Klemm; grandson, Luke James Dalling; and great grandchildren. The family would like to express appreciation to Aspire Hospice for the loving care they provided to Joyce.
The family will honor her life in a private celebration and ask that you remember her by doing an act of kindness. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Barbara “Joyce” Baker Kemp please visit our Sympathy Store.
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