Joyce Connor

Joyce Arlene Light Connor passed away on December 16, 2025 in Winchester Medical Center after a sudden illness. Joyce was born on April 21, 1940 in Fayette, County WV to Leonard Light and Blanche Phillips Light in Fayette County, WV.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her siblings Ed Light, Nathan Light, Nadine Light Settle, Virgil Light, Gary Light, and Jean Light Adkins Walton, as well as her infant son, William Edward Connor. She is survived by her children, and two sisters, Sandra Hatcher of Oak Hill, WV and Donna Jones of Newton, NC. Her husband, MSGT William E. “Bossy” Connor (USAF Ret) passed away in May, 1982 from a sudden accident. She also leaves behind a large family of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joyce and Bossy were married on October 15, 1960. She followed and supported him around the United States and during the Vietnam War as he served our country, spending the last nine years stationed in Charleston, SC. They retired to Shady Spring WV with their three children; Jewell Connor Lilly of Berryville, VA, Nathan (Michelle Crook) Connor of Inverness, FL, and Chuck (Jennifer Goodman) Connor of Shady Spring, WV.

Joyce’s pride and joy were her grandkids; David “DJ” Lilly of Berryville, VA; Jordan Connor Basch (Fletcher Basch) and Ashton Connor (Jeff Huff) of Inverness, FL. Chase Connor (Autumn Collins Connor) and Ethan Connor of Shady Spring; And her great-grand kids; Nash and Hank Huff of Inverness, FL and Cato Connor of Shady Spring.

Joyce was very creative, over the years she professionally decorated cakes, made ceramics, and had a passion for sewing, and retired from first Montgomery Ward and then JC Penney in Beckley, WV. The main thing Joyce will be remembered for is her fine southern cooking. Her potato soup and cornbread, her spicy fried chicken and her baking. Very recently she won “best in show” and a blue ribbon for her carrot cake at the County Fair.

Joyce moved to Berryville, VA in 2021 and lived next door to her daughter, Jewell and she was quickly embraced by all the neighbors who loved her joy and kindness. Joyce would post on Facebook that she’d made cookies, fudge, pumpkin rolls or cake and the neighbors would start lining up at the door to sit on the front porch and enjoy some treats. Everyone was welcome at Joyce’s house as she listened to her beloved Redeemed Quartet gospel group. Her flower beds were the envy of the neighborhood and her Christmas decorations brought joy to anyone who drove by. She was beloved by so many family, friends and neighbors and she will be missed by all who knew her.

A private service and burial will be conducted by Blue Ridge Funeral Home in Beckley, WV with Pastor Todd Yonce officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to support Blue Jay Fellowship Church in Beaver, WV.