Joyce Marie Shepherd Warrington Dorris, outstanding nurse, matriarch

 Joyce Marie Shepherd Warrington Dorris, 86, passed away peacefully in her home in Englewood, Fla., Sunday, April 12, 2026.

Joyce was born April 19, 1939, in Philadelphia, Pa., and then moved to Milton as a child. After graduating from Milton High School, Joyce followed her dreams, and began what became a 50-year career in nursing, starting with training at St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington. This pathway led her to many opportunities such as a traveling nurse, department head at several facilities, and serving in the Delaware National Guard (reaching the rank of lieutenant colonel).

In addition to her many professional achievements, Joyce strived to give her family beautiful lives filled with amazing experiences and adventures spurred on by her travels around the world. Reading and exercise were some of her passions.

Joyce was a woman of strength, independence, and encouragement – qualities she passed on to generations of her family.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents, Wesley N. Shepherd and Margaret M. Drennen of Milton.

Joyce is survived by her loving second husband of 36 years, John W. Dorris of Englewood, Fla.; her only child, her daughter, Michele Diane Webb (Gerald “Jr.”); grandchildren, Zackery H. Webb (Cy), Jessica Webb (Austin) and Brittany Hines (Wally); and great-grandchildren: Skylar, Raelynn, Austin, Jackson and Maddie.

Per Joyce’s wishes, all services will be private, with a celebration of life to be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Joyce asked that donations be made to organizations individuals feel make a meaningful impact in their communities – a reflection of the way she supported others throughout her life.