Cape Carteret- Dr. Gladys Joyce Trafton, 76, passed away suddenly at her home on May 11, 2023. She was born April 29, 1947 in Ontario, Canada a daughter of the late Albert and Loreen Elliot Myland.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, May 21, 2023 at 2:00pm at Chapel by the Sea in Emerald Isle with Rev Clay Olsen officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at a reception at the church.

Joyce had a deep passion for fine arts and teaching and was not limited by either her student's age or ability. For each one, Joyce modeled what it means to incorporate the arts into lifelong learning. Joyce excelled in karate and was accomplished in calligraphy and ikebana, and although she loved to learn, it was seeing her students meet their potential that she loved more.

Joyce had a deep spiritual life and love for God. She found many ways to express this through her art and service to others by teaching women self-defense, working to end human trafficking, and praying for those in greater need.

She is survived by husband, Terry Trafton of the home; son, Sherod Trafton of the home; daughter, Tess Trafton Gaffney and husband, Loren of Jacksonville, NC; grandchildren, Keoki and Kane of the home; sister, Brenda Tan of Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada; and brothers, Tim Myland of Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Denton Myland of Warsaw, Ontario, Canada, and Terry of Owen Sound, Ontario, Canada.

Because of Joyce's passion for flower gardens, the family encourages everyone who will be attending the funeral service to bring a flower, or loose bouquet of fresh flowers, and place them in vases that will be available in the church. Later, flower arrangements will be created to share with those in our community, the community Joyce loved and served.

Donations may also be made to the Emerald Isle Chapel by the Sea Flower Ministry, 6712 Emerald Drive, Emerald Isle, NC 28594.