Joyce Marie Benton

1946 - 2022

Joyce Marie Benton, 75, joined God in heaven Monday morning, Jan. 24, 2022, surrounded by her loving daughter and two handsome grandsons at her home in Edwardsville following a brave, courageous battle with ALS.

Josephine and Orville Benton were blessed with the birth of Joyce on Sept. 14, 1946, in Livingston Manor, N.Y. Joyce attended Livingston Manor High School. A true renaissance woman, Joyce was president of the student council, a cheerleader and member of the choir. While in high school, Joyce was also the dairy queen. Ever the curious mind, and inspired by her daughter, later in life Joyce matriculated at Sullivan County Community College where she received her associate degree in applied sciences for the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling program. Joyce's passion for service informed her career choices as she served as the chef at a rehabilitation facility, and a direct service professional for New Hope Community, an organization dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Joyce is remembered and loved on Earth by her daughter, Melody DeFilippo; grandsons, Corey Washington and Colin Moretti; niece, Annette Finch; and nephew, James Schriber.

Joyce joins her sister, Kathleen Finch; mother, Josephine Dolgas Benton; and father, Orville Benton, in heaven.

Joyce adored animals and botany. Joyce enriched the lives of her cats, dogs and even rabbit, using her keen knowledge of botany to teach her grandson, Colin, about the various plants his bunny, Alice, would enjoy. Joyce was an avid reader and maintained an encyclopedic knowledge of various presidents, notably John F. Kennedy and the Roosevelts. Joyce loved regaling guests with various details of their lives, which could only be acquired after a lifetime of study.

Joyce was also a devout Catholic who enjoyed analytically and philosophically assessing the meaning of Bible passages. Joyce had a radiant personality, illuminating a room with her hearty spirit, virtuous character and compassionate demeanor. Joyce's love and devotion to her family personified loyalty, commitment and selflessness.

Friends and family are invited to attend a celebration of Joyce's life, held from 9 to 10 a.m. Thursday from Kopicki Funeral Home, 263 Zerby Ave., Kingston. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow in St. Ignatius Church, Kingston.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests donations be made to the ALS Society Greater Philadelphia Chapter. Information on how to donate can be found at https://www.als.org.