Joyce Marks

1942 - 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Marks, who left this world peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025, at her daughter's residence. Joyce was 82 years old.
Born on July 2, 1942, in Bardstown, Joyce grew up with a strong work ethic and a love for service. She graduated from business school in Louisville, and cherished the manual typewriter given to her for her studies, which she continued to use throughout her life.
In 1965, Joyce and her husband, Melvin, along with their infant son, Louis, moved to Jackson County. They became some of the original volunteers of the Christian Application Project (CAP), a pioneering initiative in the community. Joyce was a devoted wife and mother to nine children, giving her heart and soul to their upbringing while also dedicating herself to improving the lives of others in Jackson County.
One of Joyce's most enduring legacies is her work with the Jackson County Food Bank. As a founding board member in 1986, she served as the director until her passing, making an indelible mark on the community. Joyce was a daily presence at the Food Bank, where she shared her kindness, compassion, and tireless energy with all those she served. Her selfless acts of service have touched the lives of countless people, offering them not just food, but hope, dignity, and unconditional love and acceptance.
Joyce was also an active and devoted member of St. Paul's Catholic Church, where she served in every capacity with a humble spirit and a heart full of faith. She led by example, sharing God's love and message through both words and deeds. Her kindness, unending optimism, and contagious smile made everyone she encountered feel better about themselves and life.
In her later years, Joyce was known for her unwavering strength, humility, faith, and the deep love she had for her family and friends. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Joyce's life was a testament to the power of kindness, faith, and service to others. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of all who were touched by her extraordinary love and grace.
In addition to her parents, Ben and Cleo (Ritchie) Wheatley, Joyce was also preceded in death by her husband, Melvin and three grandchildren, Michael, Matthew and Marcail.
Joyce is survived by nine children, Louis Marks of McKee, Mary (Darnell) Brockman of Sand Gap, Gloria Margison of Sand Gap, John (Tammy) Marks of Richmond, Eddie (Scarlett) Marks of McKee, Jenny (Terry) Parker of Berea, Paul (Vicky) Marks of Georgia, Peter (Sharyn) Marks of Sand Gap and Stephen (Monica) Marks of Richmond. She was blessed with 30 grandchildren, Madison, Derek, Todd, Mendi, Rachel, Paige, Seth, Zackery, Ciah, Kami, Becca, Justin, Sarah, Bub, Ben, Jeremiah, Emily, Pauliana, Bree, Wesley, Emma, Katie, Gracie, Haley, Alison, Madeline, Matthew, Rawi, Josip and Angelica. As well as five great-grandchildren, McKenna, Dalton, Bexleigh, Emmett and Saylor. Joyce is also survived by the following siblings, David (Peggy) Wheatley, Mike (Terry) Wheatley, Gail (Edwin) Tackett, Hal (Betty) Wheatly and Anna Marie (Joe) Schum.
A funeral Mass for Joyce will be noon Saturday, Jan. 25, at the St. Paul Catholic Church in McKee with the Rev. Frank Brawner officiating. Burial will follow in the Russell Flat Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 24, at the Lakes Funeral Home in Berea.
Lakes Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.