Joyce Roberson Kirshtein

Joyce Roberson Kirshtein, 94, of Charleston, South Carolina, wife of Solomon H. Kirshtein, entered eternal rest on Monday August 28, 2023. Her graveside service will be held Tuesday, August 29, 2023 in Brith Sholom Beth Israel Cemetery (Maryville), Sycamore Avenue at 10:00 am. Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.

Joyce was born September 17, 1928 in Spindale, North Carolina, daughter of Columbus William Roberson and Ethel Pilgrim Roberson. She was born two months premature and in 1928 there were no neonatal ICU’s so you either made it or you didn’t. Joyce made it- just the first success in a life where she accomplished everything she put her mind to.

As a child she enjoyed regaling her classmates with stories of how her father (Columbus) discovered America and how her grandparents (the Pilgrims) came over on the Mayflower.

Joyce enjoyed academic achievement at all levels of study culminating in being second honor graduate of her nursing class from Spartanburg General. After becoming an RN, Joyce quickly was promoted to charge nurse at Roper hospital and put in charge of the segregated (this was the 1950’s) floor. She used to say that because the floor was segregated  and all hospital services had to be offered on one floor that it was like taking care of a small hospital.

In Charleston, she met the love of her life Solomon and they were married in 1961. Upon starting a family she left the nursing profession despite multiple attempts to lure her back. From that point on, Joyce devoted her life to her family and her synagogue. Her kindness is legendary and being around her always felt like a warm hug.

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Solomon; two daughters Dr. Tamara Kirshtein and Julie (Jim) Kirshtein; two sons Dr. Jonathan (Dr. Amy) Kirshtein and David (Joellen) Kirshtein; seven grandchildren Katie (Michael)Polk, Avi Kirshtein, Aaron (Haley) Kirshtein, Asher Kirshtein, Miriam Kirshtein, Jeremiah Kirshtein, Zevi Kirshtein; and three great-grandchildren, Ariella, Woods, and Shula.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Alzheimer’s Association, The Charleston Animal Society, or Brith Sholom Beth Israel Synagogue.