Joyce Miller Aldredge

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Joyce loved playing bridge and board games and enjoyed square dancing and traveling the world with her longtime partner, Jack Johnson.

Joyce Miller Aldredge, 91, of Davis, California, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, passed away on October 22, 2026.

Born Joyce Faye Miller on June 20, 1935, in Houston, Texas, she was the daughter of Alphonse Adair Miller and Bessie Mae Nichols. She grew up alongside her brothers and sisters: Clarence, Cherry, Audrey, Katie, Alphonse, and Carolyn.

Joyce graduated from Jack Yates High School in Houston and graduated from Texas Southern University in just three years. While in college, she pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated, and went on to become a lifetime member. In 1954, she married Ralph Curtis Aldredge, Jr. To this union was born their son, Ralph Curtis Aldredge III.

Joyce began her career as a teacher in Houston, where she taught from approximately 1956 to 1964. In 1968, she moved to Los Angeles and continued her career in the Los Angeles Unified School District. While working in California, she earned her master’s degree at Pepperdine University. She served as a teacher, counselor, and vice principal before retiring in 1999.

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A woman of great faith, Joyce encouraged her grandchildren to trust in God and to give thanks to God in all things.

During her years in Los Angeles, Joyce loved playing bridge and board games and enjoyed square dancing and traveling the world with her longtime partner, Jack Johnson. She was also an active member of Hope Memorial Lutheran Church, participating in congregational life for many years. A woman of great faith, Joyce encouraged her grandchildren to trust in God and to give thanks to God in all things. She found her greatest joy in helping others, giving generously and offering encouragement to everyone she met.

After retiring, Joyce returned to Texas, living in Houston with her sisters Audrey and Cherry and later in Dallas with her sister Carolyn. She subsequently made her home in Davis, California, near her son and his family.

Joyce’s surviving family includes her son, Ralph Curtis Aldredge III, PhD and his wife, Teresa Aldredge, EdD; her granddaughters, Brittany Aldredge, MBA, Simone Senior, JD, LLM and her husband, Richard Senior, JD, MBA, and Danielle Aldredge, PhD; her sister Carolyn Evans of Dallas, Texas; and her sister-in-law Dortha Miller of Houston, Texas. Joyce is lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Despite declining health following a major stroke, Joyce remained in good spirits. A cherished member of her family, she will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.

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She found her greatest joy in helping others, giving generously and offering encouragement to everyone she met.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Davis, 27074 Patwin Road, with a reception to follow. A private family interment will take place on Thursday, November 12, at Davis Cemetery in Davis, California. Arrangements are entrusted to Smith Funeral Home in Davis.