M Joyce Lawton

Joyce Lawton, 94, a long-time beloved resident of Berkshire, NY passed away peacefully on October 21, 2022. Joyce is survived by her loving daughter, Lori Lawton Vogel, her grandson and his family, Michael and Rebecca O'Neil and their 3 daughters: Claire, Vivienne and Evelyn. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Misty Lawton, Gary and Michael Lawton, her sister, Marge Holcomb, several nieces and nephews. Joyce was predeceased by her Husband, Robert J Lawton, sons: Stephen M Lawton and John R Lawton, grandsons, Brian J Lawton and David Lawton, sister, Beverly Stratton, brothers: John, Bud and Skip Haines and son-in-law David Vogel. Joyce was a graduate of Newark Valley High School. It was here she developed all of her musical talents. Not only did she have a beautiful voice, she also was an excellent pianist, organist and violinist. A life-long Methodist, she served as church organist and choir director at the Berkshire Methodist Church for more than 25 years. In 1986 she retired from the Newark Valley School System... a beloved and respected employee. Joyce had a heart of gold but was also a strong disciplinarian. She was lovingly referred to as Radar in school because of her special innate sense to perceive potential minor difficulties. She was also proud to be the first woman to serve on the Berkshire Town Board, a position she held for eight years. Friends are invited to share their stories and memories with Joyce's family on Wednesday, Oct. 26, from 11 until 12:45 at the MacPherson Funeral Home, Newark Valley. A Funeral Service and Celebration of Her Life will follow there at 1 o'clock. Burial will be in Hope Cemetery. Friends wishing to honor Joyce in a special way may consider Strayhaven Animal Shelter, 194 Sheperd Rd. Waverly, NY 14892 in Loving Memory of Joyce Lawton. Memories and condolences may also be written in her guestbook at macphersonfh.com Visitation MacPherson Funeral Home Wednesday, October 26, 2022 11:00 AM - 12:45 PM 5 Whig St Newark Valley, NY 13811 Directions Funeral Service MacPherson Funeral Home Wednesday, October 26, 2022 1:00 PM 5 Whig St Newark Valley, NY 13811 Directions