In Memoriam: Joyce DeBardeleben
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - It is with deep sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved colleague, Joyce DeBardeleben.
Miss Joyce departed from this world on April 15, 2026. She will be missed tremendously.
For more than 42 years, Miss Joyce was a treasured member of the St. Petersburg Housing Authority (SPHA). She touched the lives of coworkers, residents, and everyone who had the opportunity to know her.
Miss Joyce was named SPHA's Employee of the 3rd Quarter in 2025, a reflection of the incredible impact she made throughout her career. She was known for her positive outlook, cheerful demeanor, and willingness to step in and help whenever needed.
Over the years, many residents shared kind words about Joyce in customer service surveys, and former clients would continue to ask about "Miss Joyce" years later because of the lasting impression she made on them. She brought consistency, reliability, and excellence to her work every single day. Miss Joyce brought her best year after year, and SPHA could always count on her.
Beyond her professionalism, Miss Joyce brought warmth and kindness to the workplace. She made "one heck of a good cake," brewed what many considered the best coffee in the office, and always made those around her feel welcome and cared for.
Miss Joyce's legacy will live on through the countless people she helped, encouraged, and inspired over the years.
May we all aspire to be the "Miss Joyce" in this world.
ABOUT THE ST. PETERSBURG HOUSING AUTHORITY (SPHA):
An independent quasi-governmental entity and a political subdivision of the State of Florida, operating under Chapter 421 Florida Statutes, SPHA is the local administrative agency for housing assistance programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). SPHA offers a variety of programs and services that provide affordable rental housing to low-income families, seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities in the greater St. Petersburg region. For more information, visit www.stpeteha.org.