Arline Joyce McCleary passed away in her sleep on December 28, 2023. She was 91. She was preceded
in death by her parents Levingstone & Bona Mason, sister Margaret Towers, and husband Del R.
McCleary, Jr. who passed away earlier this year.

Arline, better known as Joyce, is survived by three children: John McCleary, Linda Condon, and Jeff
McCleary. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Danielle Christensen, Timothy Condon, Jennifer
Sanders, Sara Walker, Jack McCleary, Kelsie Gleason, and Melanie McCleary. In addition, she has ten
great grandchildren.

She was a devoted Christian and a loving wife and mother. She was gracious, giving, and gentle in all
circumstances. She tempered all conversations with patience and a witty southern charm. Her example
inspired the family inspired the family to love God and each other.

Joyce was born Arline Joyce Mason on October 6, 1932, in Nashville, TN. At an early age, her father
moved the family to Atlanta, GA. It was in Buckhead where she spent her formative years attending
elementary and high school. During her early years, Joyce developed a fondness for learning and pets.
She particularly enjoyed English and reading. When not engaged with studies she took care of her pets.
She also had several dogs, her favorite being a bulldog.

After high school, Joyce attended the University of Georgia majoring in English. Along the way she was
pulled away by career opportunities and went to work for Addressograph Multigraph. It was here she met
her husband, of 68 years, Del McCleary.

They dated for one year and married in June of 1954. They honeymooned in Daytona Beach and
developed a passion for Florida and warmer temperatures. They resolved to make Florida their permanent
home.

In the meantime, they returned to Georgia. Between 1955 and 1959 she followed Del’s career moving to
Rome, Macon and back to Atlanta. She had two children during this time – John and Linda. She devoted
herself to their care and the care of the home. In 1959 they decided it was time to fulfill their dream and
moved to Miami, Florida. In 1961, Jeff was born.

For the next several years she was wife and mother. While raising and caring for the three children she
found time to look after the family pets. She cared for several dogs and a few cats. Most impressive was
the unique bond she developed with our squirrel monkey Max. An animal that hated every living human
except for Joyce whom he adored.

During the sixties, Joyce and Del cultivated many friendships and involved themselves in the community.
Joyce enjoyed playing cards and in particular bridge. They played several times a month, often hosting
games. They also hosted many parties. In fact, for many years Thanksgiving was celebrated by the
neighbors in our home. Our home was constantly filled with friends and relatives.
Joyce involved herself with her children. She was a Den Mother, an active member in the church, and
often would assist elementary school teachers.

When the children were out of elementary school, Joyce began working. She started working at JC
Penney. After a brief time, she started working for Kelly Services. One of her temporary jobs was
working for the Dade County School Board. In 1974 she accepted a full-time position with the county and
worked there for the next twenty years. She retired in 1994.

In retirement, Joyce and Del traveled extensively. They made several trips to the western U.S., trips to
Central and South America, trips to Europe and finally a grand trip to China. On trips to the western U.S.,
they played golf. And when they were not on these trips, they played golf.

Del had a passion for golf at an early age. Joyce developed hers later in life. She played once or twice a
week in retirement and learned to love the game.

In her later years, she maintained an interest in playing cards. She and Del played cards most nights.
Joyce also belonged to Bridge Clubs and played weekly. She often hosted games for her friends at her
home.

All her life Joyce followed her passion for knowing and talking to people. She was genuinely interested in
their experiences and endeavored to learn and share. To that end she read voraciously. She was fond of
literature and history especially. She listened intently to others and would converse on a wide range of
subjects to include current events.

Joyce’s love for family, friends and life, and the grace she displayed to all, are missed. Her passing has
left a void in the hearts of her family and friends.

Her memorial service will be held this Friday, January 5th, 2024, at 1:00 pm located at Boyd-Panciera Family
Funeral Care, 1600 N. University Drive, Pembroke Pines, FL 33024