Joyce Elaine Adams, 63, Welfare Department case worker

A CROSSING guard with a college education? Why not?

For Joyce Elaine Adams, guiding schoolchildren across dangerous streets was just one more career choice for a woman who devoted her life to caring for others.

A 31-year employee of the Department of Public Welfare, where she worked with families in need of her caring and compassion, she retired to the corner of 20th Street and Washington Avenue in South Philadelphia to help kids cross the street.

"She formed loving relationships with all of the residents and schoolchildren she came in contact with," her family said.

Joyce Adams had a number of careers: case worker, telephone operator, surgical assistant, public-school teacher, lifeguard. The busy community activist and devoted family matriarch died Sept. 5. She was 63 and lived in South Philadelphia.

She was born in Philadelphia to Willie Lois and Herbert Adams. She graduated from St. Charles Borromeo Parochial School and St. Maria Goretti High School, now Ss. Neumann and Goretti High, and went on to Temple University, where she earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.

Joyce worked as an operator for Bell Atlantic, a surgical assistant at the Atlantic City Medical Center, a lifeguard and program coordinator for the YMCA and the city Recreation Department.

She also worked as a public-school science teacher before joining the Department of Public Welfare.

"That was her true calling, helping others," her family said.

Joyce loved to sing, and graced the St. Charles Borromeo choir with her beautiful voice.

She volunteered with a number of organizations, including Habitat for Humanity and the People's Emergency Center, the state's oldest and most comprehensive social-service agency for homeless women, teenagers and their children.

She also was active with the Marian Anderson Advisory Council, which helps to care for the Marian Anderson Recreation Center on South 17th Street.

Joyce was active with Delta Sigma Sorority and had the title of Grand Lady of Sister Thea Bowman Court 346 of the Knights of Peter Claver Ladies Auxiliary.

She was the block captain of Alter Street between 21st and 22nd for more than 25 years. She took care of neighbors, organized parties and kept the block clean and orderly.

Joyce raised a number of godchildren, who were beneficiaries of her love and wisdom.

In her spare time, Joyce enjoyed teaching arts and crafts, acting as a wedding planner, line dancing, floral design and gardening. She was also a devoted traveler.

"Her creativity shined bright doing activities that she loved," her family said.

Joyce is survived by two daughters, Erica and Allanna; a son, Malik; and three grandchildren.

Services: Were Saturday. Burial was at Fernwood Cemetery.