Joyce Laura (Clark) Day, 90, of Earlville, passed away on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at Norwich Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories, a loving family, and a legacy of faith, kindness, and devotion to others.
Joyce was born in the Town of Smyrna, on June 9, 1936, a daughter of the late Burr and Irene (Schmidt) Clark. As a young girl, she moved with her family to the Burrdale Registered Holstein family farmstead on East River Road in Earlville, where she spent the remainder of her childhood.
Joyce attended Earlville School during her younger years. Growing up on the family farm, she enjoyed showing cows and riding her horse, experiences that remained fond memories throughout her life.
On September 25, 1955, Joyce married the love of her life, Carl E. Day, at the Smyrna Baptist Church, with the Reverend Woodrow Brown officiating. Their marriage was the beginning of a wonderful life together, filled with love, family, faith, and many treasured memories.
During the first three years of their marriage, Joyce and Carl lived on the Cyrus Hartwell farm, where their daughters, Laura and Lorraine, were born. In 1958, they moved to Joyce’s parents’ third farm, located at 222 County Road 22 in Earlville, affectionately remembered as the yellow house on the hill, it was there that they welcomed their daughter, Lenore, and later their son, Philip.
Joyce was a woman of deep Christian faith and dedicated many years to serving her Church and community. She was a longtime member of the Earlville Baptist Church, where she served as a deaconess and Sunday school teacher. She later transferred her membership to the Smyrna Baptist Church, where she and Carl had been married. There, she continued her faithful service as a Sunday school teacher, Vacation Bible School teacher, junior church teacher, leader of the Jolly Green Giants 4-H Club, and president of the church’s Ladies Outreach.
Joyce also enjoyed a fulfilling career working with children. She began as a cafeteria worker at Earlville Elementary School, where her own children attended. Through her hard work and dedication, she eventually became head cook at the newly established Sherburne-Earlville High School, a position she held until her retirement.
Following retirement, Joyce and Carl enjoyed traveling together on numerous bus trips with a Christian group, visiting many wonderful destinations, including Dollywood. Joyce especially loved tending to her flowers and gardens, which brought her great joy throughout the years. Above all, she treasured spending time with her family, particularly the many fun outings and adventures she shared with her grandchildren.
Joyce and Carl were blessed with 71 years of marriage, a remarkable testament to their enduring love and devotion. Their anniversary was celebrated with a special gathering held at “The Castle,” just a half-mile from their home.
Joyce is survived by her beloved husband, Carl E. Day; her four children, Laura Day Fuller and her husband, Roy, Lorraine Day Mileham and her husband, Don, Lenore Day Miles and her husband, Lauren, and Philip Day and his wife, Karin Wilcox Day; 11 grandchildren; and 20 great-grandchildren.
Besides her parents, Joyce was predeceased by her brother, Willis G. Clark.
Joyce will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her devotion to her husband and family, her years of service to her church and community, and the warmth and kindness she shared with all who knew her. Her love of family, flowers, and life’s simple pleasures will remain a cherished part of her memory for generations to come.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Smyrna Baptist Church, 22 E. Main St., Smyrna, NY 13464, or the Smyrna Fire Department, who saved their house many years ago, 1 E. Main St., Smyrna, NY 13464.
A funeral service will be held 1 p.m. on Friday, November 13, 2026, at the Smyrna Baptist Church.
Friends and family are invited and may call from noon to 1 p.m., prior to the service at church.
Private interment will follow in West Hill Cemetery, Sherburne.
A celebration of life will continue at the church.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the Burgess & Tedesco Funeral Home, 10 S. Main St., Sherburne, NY 13460.
To send a condolence online, please visit www.burgessandtedescofuneralhomes.com