Joyce Kessler Lanham

With sorrow and gratitude, the family of Joyce Kessler Lanham share that her life well-lived ended May 20, 2024, in Lexington, SC. Joyce loved all things in our beautiful, natural world, and had a special attraction to and fascination with animals. She was vivacious, kind, tenacious, caring, courageous, and known for living her 89 years with strong convictions and opinions.

The daughter of Mattie and Herman Kessler of Charleston, WV, Joyce was born July 7, 1934. She shared 57 years of her life with her husband, Jack Lanham, who died in 2009. Joyce and Jack met in their hometown, Charleston, WV. She had a talent for making things and enjoyed many arts and crafts. Joyce and Jack raised their son, Jeff, and daughter, Karen, in Wheeling, WV, where Jack based his business, and they were members of the Church of Christ. Joyce and Jack then enjoyed living in Florida for several years while running their businesses. Their last move was to Lexington, SC, to be close to their son and his family.

Among those who will miss and continue to love Joyce are her daughter, Karen Lanham Wang; son, Jeff Lanham and his wife, Kathy Gaines Lanham; granddaughter, Cydney Wang; grandson, Adam Lanham and his wife, Mallory Shealy Lanham; great-grandchildren, Mattie Carnelle and McCoy Lanham, and Billy, Ava, and Kacy Hardin. Joyce’s beloved granddaughter, Kelly Hardin, died in 2019.

Joyce’s family is thankful for the kind and skilled care provided by Columbia Presbyterian Community of Lexington, SC, and Prisma Health Hospice.