Joyce May King-Sultana
July 31, 1947 – December 27, 2021

It is with deep sadness that we have lost Joyce King-Sultana after a brief battle with cancer, but she died with her loving husband Mark by her bedside. Joyce was known for her gentle nature and was beloved by so many friends and family, who knew her as “The Queen”.

Born in San Francisco, the youngest of four children, Joyce was always proud to claim herself as a native San Franciscan. She loved and supported the San Francisco Zoo, Bay Area parks and museums, and of course she was a big fan of the San Francisco Giants and enjoyed an afternoon at the park. It gave her pleasure to take neighborhood walks, and share a latte with Mark and friends at the Cup café. A meal at Big Joe’s on Monterey was a favorite, which always included a chat with owners Pete and Rosa.

Joyce met her husband-to-be at City College in 1972, and for the last 45 years they lived in one of Sunnyside’s earliest houses, on Flood Avenue, built in the 1890s. They have lovingly renovated every inch of their historic home and took great pride in the front and back gardens.

Joyce had a great love for her nieces and nephews who were close in age to her. With her positive attitude, she welcomed everyone with her sweet smile, her warmth, and her concern for others. She could strike up a conversation with a stranger and, after a few moments, that stranger became a new friend.

Always ready to celebrate with family and friends, Joyce believed in not just a single birthday celebration, but rather birthday seasons–many Joyce birthday celebrations.

Joyce and Mark had 49 years of companionship and marriage, building a happy home together, taking get-away trips to her favorite B&Bs, dining out at her favorite restaurants, or just having a coffee latte and conversation with old and new friends alike.

Joyce loved life and was an inspiration and mentor to so many family and friends. We were lucky to have had the chance to sit and talk with her. She will be missed by many.

Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Vincent Paul King and Virginia Jeannetta Sicco. She is survived by her husband Mark Sultana, and her brother John and sisters Ann and Diane.