Joyce Marie King Hughes

August 18, 1931 – December 28, 2024.

Born to Millard King and Thelma Foote King in Delavan, New York. She attended Delevan school graduated in 1948 and the State University, New York at Geneseo. She met her future husband, Lawrence Paul Hughes the summer after freshman year and they were married the next year each of them completed two years of college. They moved near Buffalo, New York, so Lawrence could finish college while working to support a family. They had five children; Kevin Hughes(Patricia), Karin Murphy(Kevin deceased) Kathleen Wittman (Edwin) Karol Sabo(Dennis) Kelly Landis(Stanley). She is also survived by nine grandchildren; Christopher Wittman Patrick Wittman Amy Rickman, Shannon Murphy, Heather Praet, Bronwyn Landis, Sydney Landis, Adelie Landis, Matthew Hughes. Six great grandchildren; Wayne Rickman, Mackenzie Praet, Kevin Murphy, Averie Landis, Tuck Wittman and Soraya Murphy. Also survived by cherished nieces and nephews. Joyce was predeceased by her beloved husband, Lawrence, her parents, her infant brother, Lloyd and her brother Dennis and additional family members.

Joyce finished her bachelors degree by attending classes part time wherever they lived eventually graduating from SUNY Fredonia, New York. She returned to SUNY Geneseo in 1968 and earned a Masters in Library Science fulfilling, a lifelong ambition to become a professional librarian.

Prior to earning her degree, she worked as a school librarian in Chautauqua county New York. In 1969 the family relocated to Fort Myers Florida where she worked at Edison Junior College for 30 years. (now Florida SouthWestern State College).

She was instrumental in establishing an Association for Librarians from various types of libraries which evolved into the Southwest Florida Library Association.

She retired in 1999 and enjoyed traveling and reading. She was a member of Cypress Lake United Methodist Church and active in United Methodist women. She was also a member of the professional organizations of BETA PHI MU, DELTA KAPPA GAMMA, AAUW, SWFLA. Library association, and the American library association.

When her husband died in 1982, she formed a support group for South West Florida A.L.S patients.and continued to volunteer for 22 years helping over 325 families. Joyce remained faithful to the fight against ALS and was recognized in 2014 for her outstanding service to the ALS community.

Her daughters would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the nursing staff and caregivers especially these angels: Diana, Jen, Rosie, Michelle, Woodline, Marie and many others throughout the years.

A memorial time of sharing will be held at Cypress Lake Methodist Chapel on January 11th starting at 11 am, ending at 1 pm.

Memorial service and burial will be held in Arcade and Delevan, New York at a later date arrangements by W. S. Davis Funeral Home.