Joyce Day

Joyce Elaine DeVore Day, 82, of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, passed away among family on July 7, 2026, at Mount Carmel East Hospital. She was a deeply loved mother, grandmother, and friend and will be terribly missed.

Joyce was born in London, Ohio, on July 26, 1943, to Pearl and Virginia (Markley) DeVore. She grew up loving her time on her Uncle Bill's farm, every bit a tomboy, proud of the hard work and toughness farm life gave her. Music was always part of her, especially Billie Holiday, and she'd fall asleep most nights listening to blues on the radio.

She met Ron Day and came to Columbus, where they married in 1962 and raised a family. They bought The Gahanna Grill, which seemed like a great idea to anyone who had never owned a restaurant. But once she started setting the table for people, she never stopped. We were all welcome at "The Grill" and in her home. She decorated for every holiday and loved entertaining by candlelight, with music always playing, whether it was blues drifting through the house or the Sinatra nights she'd host at the restaurant. When family or friends came to town, she made it all seem easy. We were loved and welcomed.

Joyce spent years in the travel industry and guided trips throughout the United States and Europe; she brought family when she could and loved sharing the stories.

She was a confidante; she gave good advice. Lucky for us, she dealt with life with a good sense of humor. She loved to read, follow the horses, tend her garden, and eat a tomato straight off the vine. She loved her family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Ron Day, and her brothers John and Kenny DeVore.

Joyce is survived by her three sons, Marc Day (Kate), Tyler Day (Meghan), and Bart Day (Emiley); her four beloved grandchildren, Liza, Gracey, James, and John; and her sister, Judy (DeVore) Fanning. Joyce is also remembered by many extended family members and friends who will miss her.

Funeral Mass and Graveside Services will be held at St. Joseph Cemetery, 6440 S High Street, Lockbourne, Ohio 43137, on July 16 at 10 am. The family invites all who knew and loved Joyce in honoring her. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Joyce’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.