SOUTH NEW BERLIN – Joyce Prudence Barnes, age 80, of South New Berlin, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 17, 2011 surrounded by her family.
Joyce was born on Sept. 2, 1930 in Elmira, to Gordon and Prudence (Cortright) Ham.
Joyce is survived by her daughter Julie Lynne (Craig) Young of Unadilla; daughter Kathleen Joyce (JoDee LaCasse) Barnes of Mount Bethel, Pa.; daughter Laurie Beth (Don) Benoit of Grand Island; beloved grandsons Jourdain Pierre Benoit and Nathanial Isaac Benoit of Grand Island; brother Clairmont (Gretchen) Ham of Pine City; sister Sharon Tolbert of Pine City; brother-in-law Willis (Barbara) Barnes of Toano, Va.; sister-in-law Elsie Bennett of Sherburne; sister-in-law Jean (Ward) Dewey of Sherburne; 12 nephews; 7 nieces; numerous life-long friends and her cat, Kirby. Joyce was predeceased by Charles, husband of forty-seven years, and a baby.
Joyce graduated from Elmira Southside High and Eastman School of Dental Hygiene in Rochester. She attended SUNY Cortland and SUNY Oneonta where she received her dental hygiene teacher’s permanent certification and worked for several years in the Tioga County Schools. Joyce worked for four years at Home Folks TB Hospital in Oneonta and worked for BOCES in Chenango County for several years. Joyce was also an Avon representative for over forty years and a columnist for the New Berlin Gazette for decades.
Joyce spent her childhood in the Pine City area. She was a 4-H Champion in Chemung County where she belonged to the 4-H Clubs for nine years winning many awards during that time. Joyce was an active member of the First Baptist Church of South New Berlin where she was Sunday School Treasurer for many years as well as a Sunday School teacher. Joyce also served as a Yorker sponsor for four years and assisted with 4-H demonstration projects.
Joyce was perhaps best known for her avid letter writing and love of word searches. She would often send eloquently-written kind notes and letters that were treasured by all who received them. Joyce also enjoyed word search puzzles and would invariably have a puzzle book that she was working on.
Calling hours will be held 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and 10 a.m. to noon on Thursday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home in Norwich.
The funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday at the R.J. Fahy Funeral Home officiated by Rev. Ralph Hinman. Internment will be next to her husband, Charles, in Evergreen Cemetery in White Store, in Spring 2011.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in honor of Joyce Barnes to the NYS Veterans Home, 4207 State Highway 220, Oxford, NY or the South New Berlin Rescue Squad, Route 8, South New Berlin, NY.
Joyce and her family are eternally grateful to the NYS Veterans Home staff for the loving care and treasured memories during her stay.