Joyce Marie "Miss Joyce" Lester

Joyce Marie “Miss Joyce” Lester, age 85, of Henderson, KY, passed away at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at her home under the care of St. Anthony’s Hospice. Miss Joyce was an amazing mother. As she was raising her young family, she opened her home to her nieces and nephews after the loss of their parents. Their two bedroom home was filled to the brim with children and love. As the children grew up and started families of their own, Miss Joyce’s favorite times were those spent with extended family together during holiday gatherings; in-laws and out-laws alike. Miss Joyce worked with Head Start in Henderson, Union, and Webster County for more than 35 years. She loved making sure parents and children had the tools they needed to succeed. She knew that by providing for their physical needs, they would be better equipped to achieve their goals. Miss Joyce loved the Lord with all her heart, mind, soul, and strength. She was a longtime member at First Assembly of God. Whenever something was going on at the church, Miss Joyce was there. She especially loved rocking those nursery babies. Miss Joyce was preceded in death by her parents Pat Gerton and Corinne Baxter, husband James V. Lester, sister Anna Dill, and brothers Paul Gerton and Bobby Gerton, Sr. Miss Joyce is survived by her daughters Pamela Sue Yates (Morris) of Corydon, KY and Stephanie Lynn Mayes of Stearns, KY; sons James Michael Lester (Ronda) of Henderson, KY and Anthony Dale Lester of Henderson, KY; grandchildren: Shanna Gradl (Dan), Ariane Webb (Diamond), Crystalyn “CJ” Lester, Holli Hurt (Nolan), Tessa Toliver (Matt), and Collin Mayes (Tatum Metzler); great-grandchildren: Desiree, Serena, Mariah, Ariel, Caleb, Baylei, Bishop, James, Teagan, Eris, Darci, and Morris. Joyce is also survived by sister-in-law Doris Gerton of Mt. Vernon, IN; special cousin Nellie Young of Henderson, KY; nieces and nephews she raised from childhood: Tonya Winstead of Newburgh, IN, Bobby Gerton (Anita) of Robards, KY, Barry Gerton (Melanie), of Henderson, KY, Tracy Kraft (Marvin) of Mt. Vernon, IN, and Terri Graupner (John) of Evansville, IN and their children; and a host of other nieces and nephews and their families. Relatives and friends are invited to Miss Joyce’s Life Celebration from 12:00 p.m. until the service time on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. The family would like to say a special thank you to St. Anthony’s Hospice (especially Stephany), Dunaway’s Pharmacy, and Dr. Scott Watkins for the excellent care they gave Miss Joyce. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Assembly of God, 2208 US 60 E, Henderson, KY, 42420, Marsha’s Place, 235 N Elm St, Henderson, KY, 42420, and St. Anthony’s Hospice, 2410 S. Green St., Henderson, KY, 42420. Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home. Please visit www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com to share memories and condolences.

Joyce Marie "Miss Joyce" Lester

July 24, 1939 - September 17, 2024