Joyce Ann Whitfield

Joyce Ann (nee Snodgrass) Whitfield of Lorain, passed away peacefully in her sleep on October 17, 2025, at home, with her family by her side.

She was born on December 16, 1951, in Chelyan, West Virginia to Gus and Betty Snodgrass. Following Gus's passing in 1959, Joyce was lovingly raised by her mother, Betty, and her father, Harold Gay.  In 1967, Joyce met the love of her life and knew that Barry would be her lifelong partner. On June 27, 1968, they were married and inseparable, until she took her last breath, Barry was by her side and holding her hand, the love they shared was beautiful.  

Throughout their life, they created countless cherished memories and raised three beautiful boys in Lorain, Ohio. They loved taking day road trips with friends, traveling around Ohio and surrounding states. Taking trips to North Carolina to visit their son Michael and his family. Then stopping at her dad’s house in West Virginia, going to Florida to visit their son Brian and his family. The most recent cherished moment for Joyce was traveling to Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri to see her grandson Preston graduate from bootcamp. Joyce loved concerts and loved telling the story about the last Pink Floyd concert, she saw at the old Brown’s Stadium. She loved every holiday and all celebrations with those that meant so much to her. Her love for dancing was important, whether it was dancing in the kitchen with grandchildren or spending New Year’s Eve at German Villa with friends. Joyce was always the life of the party and always laughed about everything. When Joyce’s boys were younger, they would stay weeks at Findley State Park exploring the campground. Joyce was by her boys weather it was running in the woods, playing in the lake, swimming, or looking for frogs or bugs. Joyce has always been a hands-on mother and that continued as she became a Mommaw. Two of the best gifts she received was watching her son BJ’s, 2 children be born. 10 years ago, on a cold day Joyce was baptized at Lakeview Beach in Lake Erie, her love for Our Savior was strong until the day she died.  

Joyce is lovingly remembered by her husband, Barry; father Harold Gay of Beckley, WV her son’s and wives, Michael and Debbie of Welcome, North Carolina and BJ and Becky of Lorain, daughter-in-law Kim Whitfield of St. Cloud, Florida; grandchildren: Carrie Gray (Harley) George Gray, Kaylynn Smith (Jason), Chloe Whitfield, Noah Whitfield, Preston Whitfield (Jennessa), Kendalynn Whitfield and great-grandchildren: Arianna, Harley, Rowen and Hunter 

Joyce was preceded in death by their son Brian Whitfield, father Gus Snodgrass, mother Betty Gay, brothers Lester and Bobby Snodgrass and a great-granddaughter Aubrey Gray 

Family would like to thank Gail Keller. Words cannot fully convey our gratitude for your presence in our lives during that dark time. Your nursing wisdom shines brightly, guiding us through this challenging time. The level of care you had shown was a truly exceptional gift. The compassionate care you provided to Joyce goes beyond a mere duty of a friendship; it touches our hearts and souls, making a profound difference in Joyce’s care during her final journey. Your ability to empathize with love, while watching us deal with the struggle of her passing, you supported us with kindness and showed us that she will be ok, while we shared tears and tissues. You created a warm and healing environment that we will cherish deeply. Thank you for being so selfless, we love you! 

Hier family will receive friends at the Richard J. Reidy Funeral Home, 1783 East 31st Street, South Lorain, Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 4 to 7 PM. Her funeral service will be at 7 PM in the funeral home.