[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 209 (Tuesday, December 19, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF JOYCE GRAYSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 19, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and 
career of nurse Joyce Grayson of Brooklyn, Connecticut. Joyce was 
killed while serving in her capacity as a visiting nurse, creating a 
chasm in the life of all who knew her that will never be filled. 
Despite the tragedy of her death, Joyce's life is remembered for her 
warmth and unbridled vitality--traits that served her well in her 
nearly 40 years of distinguished health service across Connecticut. The 
shocking news of her loss has been felt across particularly in 
Connecticut and by also health professionals across the nation.
  Growing up on a Sterling, Connecticut dairy farm with her 13 siblings 
and parents Robert and Edna Jordan, Joyce is a true daughter of eastern 
Connecticut. From an early age, Joyce recognized her life's calling lay 
in the care of her fellows. Immediately after graduating from Killingly 
High School, Joyce enrolled in Windham Tech's nursing school where she 
became a Licensed Practical Nurse, beginning the journey which would 
define the rest of her life.
  Joyce started her professional career in service to the State of 
Connecticut, working for the Department of Mental Health and Addiction 
Services (DHMAS). Joyce's time was well spent at DHMAS given her 
specialty was in behavioral health. During her tenure with DHMAS, she 
worked at a variety of institutions--from the old Norwich State 
Hospital to the Southeastern Mental Health Authority. After working for 
the State for over a quarter century, Joyce continued her service-
oriented work by becoming a visiting nurse for the Elara Caring company
  Ever committed to providing for others, Joyce also served 
Connecticut's next generations by acting as a foster parent. Joyce's 
parenthood, whether for her six biological children or those she 
fostered, was defined by her infectious love for each child. In 2017, 
Joyce was recognized for her consummate care and named Foster Parent of 
the year alongside her husband, Ronald, by the Connecticut Department 
of Children and Families.
  Mr. Speaker, the profound loss experienced by the Grayson family in 
the wake of Joyce's death is unimaginable. Despite the overwhelming 
tragedy of this situation however, our state and Nation can take solace 
in the knowledge that the legacy Joyce has left behind will continue to 
imbue the world with her kindness and care. And hopefully the 
circumstances of her passing will spur meaningful change in our nations 
workplace rules to protect ``the caring professions'' that she so nobly 
personified. Joyce touched thousands of people throughout her life, 
whether as a nurse working for Connecticut or Elara Caring, or in her 
capacity as a foster mother. Her works have inspired two of her 
children to follow in her footsteps and serve in healthcare. We mourn 
with Joyce's family, including her husband Ronald; children Elliot, 
Kyle, Kaitlyn, Evan, Audrey, Shawn, and their spouses; her four 
grandchildren; and her eleven siblings. To these ends, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in etching the life and legacy of Joyce Grayson 
further into stone, and enact legislation to better protect health care 
providers like Joyce from the violence they all too often face.

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