Joyce Ann Powell McCracken, our dear Mother, entered life on February 11, 1938 and went to be with her Heavenly Father on June 17, 2022, following a brief illness. Mom was a homemaker who was dearly loved by her children, extended family, neighbors and friends. Mom loved to laugh, enjoyed good food, and loved to listen to music. She maintained a lifelong pursuit of knowledge whether through books, newspapers, documentaries or even thoughtful conversation. Because of her curious mind, our Mother would talk to ANYONE while she was out and about--a fact that embarrassed us all greatly as kids. Mom enjoyed nothing better than to spend time with her family and friends in the warmth and happiness of home. She will be greatly missed by her family and all those who love her.
Joyce Powell was born in Louisville, KY, where she remained throughout her life. Mom was a bit of a “free spirit” in her youth. In 1956, she and her friend Marcella snuck up the service stairs of the Seelbach Hotel up to Elvis Presley’s floor. By sheer luck and determination they managed to meet Elvis Presley and got to spend several hours with the rising star and his entourage. Later she decided to settle down after she met a handsome soldier, Jesse McCracken, who had recently returned from military service in Germany as an MP in the US Army. Joyce and Jesse married and Mom settled into motherhood living in Valley Station, KY for most of her married life, raising six children. She often took odd jobs to help pay for Christmas presents and school clothes for her growing family. She was especially proud of her work as a teaching assistant at Engelhard Elementary School which she did for a time. Mom and Dad were together for thirty years until his death in 1989. Joyce McCracken was later saved as an adult on March 29, 1993 and was a member of Greenwood Road United Baptist Church until her death.
Joyce McCracken was preceded in death by her mother, Beatrice Fairfax King, her husband, Jesse Leo McCracken, her brothers, Robert Powell and Jerry Powell, her sister, Ruby Phelps and her grandchildren, Jason Alan Yates Priddy and Rhonie Priddy. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Radonna McCracken, Mark McCracken (Donna), Karen Skinner, Eric McCracken (Anita), Jennifer Zumek (Kelly) and Todd McCracken; her sister, Wanda Wooden plus eleven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at Fairdale-McDaniel Funeral Home in Fairdale, KY. Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 22, 2022 from 2 to 8 p.m. and Thursday, June 23, 2022 from 9 to 11 a.m. Funeral service will be held at the Fairdale-McDaniel chapel at 11 a.m. on June 23, 2022. Private family burial will be held at a later date.
