The Wahkiakum County Eagle - Established as The Skamokawa Eagle in 1891

On October 13, 2016 at approximately 7:25 a.m., Clarice Joy (Trotter) Peterson (a natural force of nature) left this world to be reunited with her husband, family and friends on that other shore so often talked about. Her arrival there possibly sparked fears of invasion. Joy was born to Clarence Howard Trotter and Mamie Alice (Brooks) Trotter at home in Harvey, Scott County, Arkansas on the evening of February 1, 1952, the last of seven children. The family moved to the Longview/Kelso area in 1953 and Joy has spent most of her adult life in this area with her family and friends, attending school in the Longview School District and working locally.

Joy was part of a large extended family of brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins and kids. She delighted in dinners and holiday gatherings, usually arriving slightly late to the loud announcement, “I’m here.” It is a certainty that the same announcement was utilized upon her arrival on that other shore mentioned above.

Joy is survived by four daughters, Stephanie (Bill) Kendle of Kelso, Jennifer Canaan of Vancouver, Kimberly Martinez and Doni Stanton, both of Longview; four siblings, Donald Trotter of Prosser, Washington, Hulen Trotter of Kelso, Washington, Shearan Hamilton of Benton City, Washington and Darrel (Roberta) Trotter of Rosburg, Washington; numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and one great-grandchild. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Lyle Peterson and two brothers, Wallace and Covil Trotter.

She will be remembered for her love, her tenacity and her independence.

Our sincere thanks to Lori Robertson, Debi Jones and all of those who cared for Joy in her final days at her residence in Longview and at the Ray Hickey Hospice House in Vancouver, Washington.

A celebration of life service will be held Sunday, October 22, from noon to 4 p.m. at the residence of Bill and Stephanie Kendle, 119 Molly Lane, Kelso.

- Paid Obituary -