Joy Ann Dull

News Death Notice

DULL, Joy Ann (Helstern) 78, of Brookville, was carried home to her Lord on July 11, 2011 following an extended illness. Joy was born April 14, 1933 to the late Russell and Vinna (Bowers) Helstern. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Carol Gross and Betty Ward. Joy was a longtime member of the Brookville Church of the Brethren, serving not only her local church, but the Southern Ohio District and the larger Brotherhood as well. She retired from Westbrook Elementary School in 1997 after working 12 years as secretary to the school psychologist. Joy was best known for her extraordinary musical gifts. She began playing the organ in church at the age of 14, and played for countless recitals, weddings, school functions and community events over the course of her life. She was a beloved piano teacher for several decades, passing along her love of music to dozens of students. Joy is survived by four children: Pete (Jody) Dull, Mike (Sue) Dull, Becky (Jim) Osswald and Kevin (Cherie) Dull; 14 grandchildren: Jessi (Chris) Sievers, Samantha (Dan) Trego, Abe (Angie) Dull, Ben (Melonie) Dull, Tina (Paul) Denlinger, Mahala (John) Ferguson, Lisa Osswald, Caleb (Robin) Dull, Jake Dull, Luke Dull, Tim Osswald, Becky Dull, Beth Osswald and Aaron Osswald; 12 great-grandchildren with two more expected this winter; one sister, Mary Sue (Bruce) Rosenberger; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A special thank you to the staffs of the Brethren's Retirement Community in Greenville and Brookhaven Nursing Care for the love and care given to Joy in her last years. A celebration of Joy's life will be held Sunday, August 7 at 2:30 pm, at the Brookville Church of the Brethren, 220 Western Ave. The family requests donations in Joy's memory be made to Habitat for Humanity, Bittersweet Ministries, or Brethren Disaster Ministries. E-mail condolences may be sent by going online to www.gilbert-fellers.com