She was so sweet to everyone, she was the best great-grandma I could have asked for. I miss her very much -Cora Osborne

We were neighbors for many years, until she moved to assisted living. Of course, her garden was the talk of the neighborhood and was on the parade of gardens one year. My special memory involves my mother-in-law who had a brain tumor and chemo, and, of course, lost her hair. I went to Joyce to get some information about a wig for her. She was so helpful and cheerful about helping. One last item, when Norm married her, and we were invited to the wedding, I couldn't remember her name at first until I thought of this: Norm's choice is Joyce. That about sums it up.

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She took great care of her hairdressers; I remember one who she helped during his final year in his middle age, making sure he had what he needed as he was dying during the AIDS epidemic.  She closed the business eventually because Norm wanted her to be free of work, able to go on trips here and there.  In addition, they had a home in Venice, Florida where they spent the winter months every year.  

And we all are aware of Joyce’s beautiful pool and garden.  She was a member of the garden club, hosting many a gathering at her house.  Her garden was extraordinary, the rave of the garden club.  She did all the work herself, both long before and after her knee surgeries.  No yard workers for her—she was not about to allow anyone to spoil her fun–-busting her butt in that yard!

Joyce always looked fabulous, didn’t she? –-like she had stepped out of Vogue magazine.  She continued to do her own hair at home.  And she always drove a Cadillac after marrying Norm, who worked at the Cadillac dealership.  She kept the Cadillac looking grand—close to spotless.  Speaking of fabulous, I have a picture of Joyce standing out by her pool in January in her bathing suit, barefoot in the snow—smiling.  Joyce brought fun, her flair, and her sense of humor to everyone in her life.   And her Christmas decorations were so extravagant that you wondered how one person could have done it all.

I could go on and on.  I did not realize the limitation to 2000 words.  Joyce will be missed by us all:  her big heart, her joyful ways, her giving spirit, her lended-hand, her beautiful ways.   May she rest in peace.  I cherish our friendship and will remember her always.

I met Joyce in 1989 when I was working at Wright Patterson AFB as a surgeon.  Joyce volunteered to man the Perry Room, which was where the family members of those having surgery waited—often, very anxiously awaited.  Joyce was cool as a cucumber as she let them know she was going to take good care of them and their family member.  It seems the folks could readily tell that Joyce would take care of them as she would her own family.   Norm, her second husband, was a patient that I took care of, and he, after having surgery, elected to volunteer as an office worker in our office at Wright Patterson.  Joyce, Norm, and I got to know each other well.  For our first gathering, she invited Master Sergeant Murphy and me to her home for a great meal—and my first experience with a martini, provided by Norm.  Joyce would invite us from time to time to enjoy a delicious meal she had crafted, and Norm would produce his martinis, made according to his special recipe, for us all to enjoy.  The two of them really loved each other, and it showed every time we got together.  

Joyce was a true entertainer.  She grew up in an era in Kentucky when people understood that to be good host, you also had to entertain folks with interesting conversation.  And she always had plenty of stories with which to entertain.  She never gossiped or spoke badly of people; she simply told good stories.  For instance, as a child in Kentucky, she had a horse who followed her around like a puppy dog, except he was bigger.  She would come out of the house, and her horse would gallop over to her so that they could love on one another once again and ride around the surrounding fields.  

She worked as a hairdresser and eventually employed several hairdressers in her own business.  Her shop was very successful, and all her hairdressers loved her like family.   (continued)

Grandma was renowned for her festive Christmas decorations, both inside and out, which truly infused the holiday season with magic. Her home was an always adorned with numerous Santas and garlands elegantly draped throughout. Multiple Christmas trees, each adorned with lights and ornaments, filled the house—one tree was never enough to capture the full spirit of the season. Her Christmas Eve gatherings are some of our most cherished memories, marked by warmth, joy, and some of the best best present wrapping skills around.

Grandma’s culinary skills were legendary. Although it seemed she never used a recipe, her cooking was unrivaled, and every meal was a delightful experience. No matter how many times you went back for seconds, you could never escape her array of desserts, which she made sure you enjoyed as a sweet finale to every meal.

Her gardening prowess was equally impressive, transforming her backyard into an oasis. Whether she was hosting a barbecue, ensuring the pool and gardens were immaculate, or serving IBC root beers by the poolside, summer days at Grandma’s felt like a retreat from everyday life.

We deeply miss Grandma, but we are profoundly grateful for the countless memories she created and the traditions she established. Her legacy lives on through the customs we will continue to share with our own families, all thanks to her loving influence.

Joyce was a wonderfully kind sister-in-law. Her home was always open to stay when we visited from TN.  She loved caring for her yard and made it look like a magazine spread! She spent countless hours volunteering at WPAFB hospital. It was a blessing to call her friend. I’m sorry Greg and family because regardless of age, losing one you love hurts deeply.

I’m sorry to hear the passing of my aunt Joyce. I have beautiful memories with her. She was a beautiful woman kind and caring. I know I’ll see her again. She’s in heaven now dancing with my dad and her sisters And her mom and dad. And extended family I love you, aunt Joyce.

OBITUARY

Joyce Sue Phero

November 13, 1930 – August 28, 2024

Tobias Funeral Home - Beavercreek Chapel

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