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Frances Houff Obituary
Age: 89 • Waynesboro
Frances Joy (Paynter) Houff, 89, of Waynesboro, passed away Tuesday, July 5, 2016 at Augusta Health. She was born on April 14, 1927 in Staunton, a daughter of the late Herman and Annette Paynter.
On April 30, 1949, she married A. Gordon Houff, who predeceased her in death on October 31, 2001. Joy was a graduate of Madison College and a member and leader of Delta Kappa Gamma. She worked for 22 years at Stuarts Draft Elementary as a teacher. Joy was an active member and Elder Emeritus of Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, where she served in many leadership roles. She was also a member of the Cosmopolitan Club, the Daughters of the American Revolution and Daughters of the Confederacy. In her spare time, Joy was an accomplished seamstress, loved to work in her garden, and enjoyed canning.
Survivors include her children, Teresa Houff McCaskey and her husband, Andrew L., Jr. of Elkhart, IN, Randall Gordon Houff and his wife, Donna of Stuarts Draft and Brent Arthur Houff and his wife, Cynthia of Waynesboro; six grandchildren, Katherine A. McCaskey and her husband, Brian Wiedemann, Annette E. Thomson and her husband, Julian, Karalynn C. Hegg and her husband, Travis, Amanda B. Houff and her boyfriend, Alex Denno, Justin A. Houff, and his wife, Laura, and Jordan B. Houff and his wife, Kasie; four great grandchildren; a sister, Freda McCune and husband, Robert of Fishersville; sister-in-law, Elaine Houff; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 9, 2016 in the church cemetery at Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church, 30 Tinkling Spring Dr. Fishersville, VA 22939 with The Rev. Tully H. Hunter and The Rev. Merle Fisher officiating. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 a.m. in the church.
Active Pallbearers will be Joy's grandsons. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joy's granddaughters.
The family will receive friends following the memorial service at the church.
There will be no public visitation at the funeral home. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Waynesboro Chapel of Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes.
The family wishes to express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of the Stuarts Draft Christian Homes and Dr. Dennis Hatter for the wonderful care of Joy.
Memorial donations may be made to Tinkling Spring Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund or the A. Gordon Houff Memorial Scholarship, payment made to the Community Foundation of the Central Blue Ridge, PO Box 815, Staunton, VA 24402-0815.
Relative and friends may share condolences and memories with the family online by visiting www.reynoldshamrickfuneralhomes.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frances Houff
Sponsored by Reynolds Hamrick Funeral Homes & Crematory - Waynesboro.
Patricia Via
July 29, 2016
To Joy's family, our very deepest sympathy for your lost of a wonderful lady. I taught with Joy for a couple of years and couldn't have had a better co-teacher. She always had a smile and so very kind.
May your happy memories help you through this time.
Pat & Theron Via
Rodney Stinnett
July 10, 2016
My most deepest sympathy to Brent,Randy and all of the Houff Family at this difficult time.I will remember her wonderful and loving spirit and hold it near to my heart.
Carol King
July 9, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with your family.Joy was truly a treasure.I will always remember her kindness.
Carol King
July 8, 2016
So sorry to hear about your mom, Randy. Take care and I just wanted you to know that you all are in my thoughts!
Karen Snopkowski Rinehart
Rick McChesney
July 8, 2016
My condolences to Randy, Brent and all the family.
July 8, 2016
She will be missed by all the staff and residents at SDRC.
Thanky you for allowing us to have her as part of our family.
Kathy Marshall
Loretta Duty
July 8, 2016
I had the privilege of working with Joy at SDES. She was such a gracious lady. She was my daughter's favorite fifth grade teacher as well. I am so sorry for your loss. Heaven gains a wonderful lady.
Ellen Clouse Allen
July 8, 2016
I had the privilege of teaching 5th grade with Joy at SDES. I remember her fondly for her sweet smile, soft spoken voice and the comfort of her touch on my shoulder. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this sad time.
Ellen Clouse Allen
Reed Hopkins
July 8, 2016
I wish I could be at the memorial service, but I have an obligation here in Churchville at that time. Joy and Gordon were always very gracious and kind to me during my time as student intern at Tinkling Spring. Over the last few years, I enjoyed seeing Joy at the Stuarts Draft Retirement Center when I would go to visit one of my church members. Joy was always so radiant and so welcoming, and she would always invite me to sit down and join her group in a game of dominoes. She was, as her name describes her, a joy. May God bless her family and comfort them in their memories of her.
Reed Hopkins
Karen Cunningham
July 7, 2016
Joy was one of the special ladies who welcomed me and my son to the TSPC congregation when we first joined over 10 years ago. I remember Joy always having a smile on her face and positive words to say. She will be greatly missed. Our prayers go out to Randy, Donna, Amanda, and extended family members.
--Karen D. Cunningham & Paul Cunningham, III
Leslie Matheson
July 7, 2016
Yours was the sweet smiling face I remember at our family reunion when I was little and there were so many people. You always had big hugs and that wonderful sparkle that made you stand out in a crowd. You are loved and will always be remembered with a smile.
Ann Ayres
July 7, 2016
The world has lost such a bright, loving, and caring person. Joy taught me 5 grade science and we went to the same church. She will be missed.
Sue Wingfield
July 7, 2016
Joy was a very special person, loved by all and will be sorely missed.
May God bless the family during this time of your life.
Sue (Sorrells) Wingfield
Sarah Tuck (Sorrells)
July 7, 2016
My condolences to all the family. Joy was so special to all of us over the years, always making an appearance before recent times whenever there was a family event (even funerals as she was so gracious and glad to see everyone). She was a wonderful lady and will be missed by us all.
Sarah Tuck (formerly Sorrells--one of Bill and Alene's daughters).
Sandy Fordyce
July 7, 2016
Joy was aptly named, as she was a joy to her family. She was kind and gentle and enjoyed many happy years with her beloved husband, Gordon. She loved her children and was generous with her time and talents to help others. I will miss her. Sandra Fordyce and Curt Fordyce
July 7, 2016
It was such a delight to have you and Gordon at our wedding in 2000. Blessings of peace to all who loved you. Laura (Matheson) Allen & Mark Allen and family.
Victoria Harris
July 7, 2016
I remember Joy as a teaching colleague and a friend. She will be missed. Prayers and condolences to her family.
Amy Harris
July 7, 2016
I remember Mrs. Houff as one of my 5th grade teachers at Stuarts Draft Elementary. She was a wonderful teacher and person. I know she will be missed by many. Thoughts and prayers to her family.
July 6, 2016
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Carroll and Judy Grove
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