Joyce A. (Henry) Bowersox

PITTSBURGH - Joyce Annette (Henry) Bowersox passed away peacefully, surrounded by love and prayers on September 25,2022 after a brief illness.

Joyce was born on April 17,1935 in Troy, North Carolina, daughter of Reverend Frank and Mrs. Gladys Henry. She was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. L. Franklin Henry of New York City, NY and by her beloved spouse, Reverend Ronald Bowersox.

Joyce married Ron on August 21, 1954 in Siler City, North Carolina and they were blessed to have over 61 years together.

Joyce and Ron were the proud parents of four children; Carol Kidner (Don), Pittsburgh, PA, Joy Sullivan, State College, PA., Mary Clary, Mountville, PA. and David Bowersox (Patricia)of York, PA.

Joyce cherished her 9 grandchildren; Matthew Sullivan of New Jersey, Brandon Sullivan of New York City, NY., Benjamin Sullivan of New Jersey, Coleman Clary of Wrightsville, PA, Andrew Bowersox, Mt. Joy, PA, Morgan Bowersox, Lancaster, PA, Julia Marks (Travis), Mt. Joy, PA, Jennifer Hughes (Andy), Canonsburg, PA, Kelsie Kidner, Whitehall, PA. Joyce adored her two precious great grandchildren; Jack and Luke Clary, Wrightsville, PA.

Joyce graduated from Asbury College, Wilmore, Kentucky with a BS degree in Elementary Education. She enriched the lives of many young children as a popular kindergarten teacher for 16 years in the Bellefonte Area School District, Bellefonte, PA.

Joyce served as secretary for her husband Ron for seven years when he was District Superintendent of the Lewisburg District of the United Methodist Church.

Joyce was a loyal member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church, Dallastown, PA and she enjoyed activities with church’s Lunch Bunch. She loved her church friends and had a special section of a pew in the sanctuary “reserved” for her each week.

Joyce was a member of many of the choirs in the churches she and her husband pastored. She had a beautiful voice and performed as a soloist many times. She was the choir director at Grace Evangelical United Brethren, South Williamsport, PA. when she and Ron served there.

Joyce had a beautiful, radiant smile and was friendly to everyone she met. She enjoyed music, reading, decorating and playing the piano. She was a loyal fan of the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team and the Penn State University Nittany Lions football team. Joyce also followed the Pittsburgh Steelers football team.

Joyce loved her family dearly and cherished holidays spent together. She called every family member every single year to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ the morning of their special day. She never forgot.

She was devoted to God and to the disciplines of worship, prayer, reading of scripture and of service to people in her church and beyond. Joyce was a constant source of encouragement and blessing to her husband and the members of the churches they served for over 60 years.

Joyce blessed her family and all she knew with her ministry of sending beautiful cards of celebration, sympathy, congratulations or encouragement.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

The family wishes to express gratitude to all her neighbors and church friends who supported her faithfully with transportation, cards and phone calls and visits.

Many thanks go out to the dedicated and kind staff of Enhabit Home Health Services of York who enriched her life in so many ways.

The family also is very thankful to the patient and compassionate doctors and nurses of St. Clair Hospital, Pittsburgh PA who provided excellent care to Joyce during the last days of her life.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made to Life Outreach International with James and Betty Robinson Ministries, one of Joyce’s favorite charities. myLIFE LifeToday.org https://my.lifetoday.org/give, P.O. Box 982000 Ft. Worth, Texas 76182-8000

A memorial service to celebrate Joyce’s life will be held 1:30 PM on Sunday, October 16 at Bethlehem United Methodist Church, 109 E. Main Street, Dallastown, PA. Visitation with the family will begin at 1:00 PM prior to the service. The interment was previously held at the convenience of the family. Heffner Funeral and Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements.

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