Joyce Reader Obituary

JOYCE HOLBROOK READER

ST. PARIS — Loretha Joyce (Holbrook) Reader passed away on May 7. Joyce was a two-time kidney transplant survivor and fought a courageous 30-year battle with a degenerative kidney disease. Joyce was born in Lima on February 28, 1954 to Reverend W.J. and Betty (Prater) Holbrook. She moved with her family to Bryan, Ohio in 1969, when her father became Pastor at the New Life Temple church. On November 20, 1976, Joyce married Steven J. Reader, her soul mate, best friend and life partner in Bryan. Joyce and Steve followed in her parents' footsteps and pastored the New Life Temple church from 1990 until 2002. Joyce loved spending quality time with her beloved family, numerous friends and especially cherished her role as "grammy." With her family, she loved camping at her summer home, attending theater performances and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes as their number one fan.

Joyce is survived by her husband Steven of St. Paris, son Joseph (Amanda) Reader of Columbus, Ohio, daughter Mary Beth (Donald) Vermillion of Bryan, foster daughter Shannon Sponsler of Montpelier, Ohio and four grandchildren, Donald, Gage, Spencer and Regina. She is also survived by her sisters Jerry (Larry) Hurley of Columbus Grove, Ohio and Debra (Steven) Beevers of Bryan; and her brothers David (Jamie) Holbrook of Bryan, Reverend J. Mark (Susan) Holbrook of West Unity, Ohio and James (Shawn) Holbrook of Edgerton, Ohio. In addition, she is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by parents Reverend W.J. and Betty Holbrook, brother Kenneth Holbrook, paternal grandparents G.W. and Rachel (Music) Holbrook, maternal grandparents Elliott and Martha (Moore) Prater and her parents-in-law, Mary Reader and Vance and Isabelle Stantz.

Visitation for Loretha Joyce (Holbrook) Reader will be held Monday May 11, 2015 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Oberlin-Turnbull Funeral Home, 206 North Lynn Street, Bryan. Funeral services for Joyce will be held Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at New Life Worship Center, Bryan, with Pastor Dan Holbrook, Pastor J. Mark Holbrook and Dr. James Adams officiating. Interment will follow at Fountain Grove Cemetery. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service on Tuesday at New Life Worship Center.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial contribution to Lifeline Ohio, located at 770 Kinnear Road #200, Columbus, Ohio, 43212.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Lima News from May 9 to May 10, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Reader

8 Entries

Don & Faith Keeler

May 20, 2015

Steve & family: Just learned of your loss. Please accept our deepest sympathies. Although Joyce is in a far better place, we know you still sorrow. So thankful for the hope we have in Christ Jesus, of a glad reunion. Prayers ascending on your behalf In the meantime. (Faith Mossman Keeler)

Richard Moore

May 19, 2015

Steve & Family, The Scriptures tell us that, "where our treasures are that's where our hearts will be." Joyce was a priceless treasure to all of your lives and many others. Perhaps Joyce and Deb got together for a song, as they did at SBC. My heart is thinking about home and the great treasures that are there. With My Love & Prayers,

Rick and Virginia Burcham

May 19, 2015

Steve,
Virginia and I have fond memories of our days at SBC with you and Joyce. I (Rick) remember when you ane I were dormmates. We almost never saw each other as we worked different shifts. We got along great! :)
We also remember Joyce's ready smile and laughter. And then there was the time at the ice cream place at the mall with the ice skating rink (I can't remember the name). They had a huge dipping spoon for the "zoo" - a bucket full of ice cream. And we challenged Joyce to put the whole spoon loaded with ice cream in her mouth - and she did! She was a lot of fun.
It is so easy to lose contact with old friends but, thankfully, it is not easy to lose our great memories of them.
Our heart goes out to you and we wish you the best. We love the words in Thessalonians - "we do not grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope."
One day all of us will be reunited at our heavenly "class reunion".

Jon Hackney

May 19, 2015

I'm so sorry Rabbit.

Dee Williamson

May 14, 2015

Your in our thoughts and prayers
The Tyo family

Barbara A. Holbrook

May 12, 2015

I know Joyce is in a better place but it is hard for us to deal with that. I am sorry I couldn't get to come there. Praying for you and God is with all of you. I love each one of you. Godless you One of these days we will all be reunited again. No more tears and heartaches.
Love and Prayers
Aunt arb

Sandy Wright

May 11, 2015

Sorry for your loss. May God be with you at this time and in the days ahead. Love you all so very much.
Love
Sandy Bowling Wright

Donna

May 11, 2015

Joe and Amanda, our hearts and prayers are with you and your family.
Love, Aunt Donna and David

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results