Joy Parsley

Joy Parsley, a spirited and vibrant soul, left this world on December 23, 2025, at Deaconess Hospital in Newburgh, Indiana, after a brave battle with cancer. Joy was the beloved wife of Kenneth Parsley and a cherished mother to her two daughters, Ellie Wright Drinkwater and Chelsie Leigh Simmons. She found joy in her family, especially her beloved son-in-loves, Dr. Chris Drinkwater and Danny Simmons. Joy's legacy shines brightly through her grandchildren, Cora and Caleb Simmons, who will carry her memory forward. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Sue Powell. Joy was a tireless worker for her family and friends. She proudly served as an executive secretary at Big Rivers for 39 years. Also, a Kentucky basketball enthusiast, Joy cheered passionately for her Wildcats, balancing her competitive spirit with her love for all things feminine and fabulous. A Tina Turner fan at heart, she embraced life with the same fierce energy that filled Tina's songs, and her strong Christian faith was the rock upon which all her love was built. Joy leaves behind her brother, Steve Powell, mother-in-love Cleda Parsley, as well Keith and Donna Parsley, Kathi Hitch, Kirby and Karen Dennis, and Roger and Kristi Metz, all brothers-and-sisters-in-love, first cousins who were more like siblings, and countless nieces and nephews who will remember her infectious laughter and warm hugs. While her time with us was cut short, her generous and loving spirit will forever light our lives. So, here’s to you, Joy—may you be dancing in heaven, sporting your UK blue, and singing along with Tina! Relatives and friends are invited to Joy’s Life Celebration from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2025, and from 9:00 a.m. until service time on Monday at Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home in Henderson, KY. The funeral service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Monday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Henderson. Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to Sieman Cancer Center at Barnes Jewish Hospital, 1 Brookings Drive., St. Louis, MO, 63130, https://siteman.wustl.edu/give/ Arrangements entrusted to Benton-Glunt & Tapp Funeral Home, A Life Celebration® Home, online condolences may be made at www.bentongluntandtappfuneralhome.com.

Joy Parsley

February 18, 1955 - December 23, 2025