Joyce Krantz Horne

Joyce Carole Krantz Horne of Smith Mountain Lake and Bedford, Virginia, was placed in God’s caring hands on August 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Joyce was born in Hampton, Virginia, on August 23, 1943, and she and her family quickly moved to Bedford, Virginia, where she spent her childhood. She was the daughter of the late John and Cordie Krantz.

Joyce’s family was her pride and joy. She especially cherished many loving memories with her grandchildren: Katherine Horne Cheek and her husband, Trevor Cheek; Gianna Horne; Isabella Horne; Gregory Horne; and David Horne. She is survived by her husband, Lawrence “Larry” Horne; two sons: Jason Horne and his wife, Sandra, of Bedford, VA, and Edward “Ted” Horne and his wife, Heather, of Lake Geneva, WI. She also leaves behind her very favorite and special miniature schnauzer, Henry.

Joyce is also survived by her sister, Saundra K. Smith of Pittsburgh, PA, and her brother, Clifton “Buck” Krantz and his wife, Minerva, of Bedford, VA. She was preceded in death by her brother, Andrew “Andy” Krantz, who is survived by his wife, Ginger Gross Krantz of Bedford, VA. She also leaves behind her great-grandson, Brooks Everette Cheek, now six months old, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends from Smith Mountain Lake and Bedford, VA.

Joyce loved traveling and visited many countries throughout her life—Canada, Italy, France, Germany, England, and Scotland—but most of all Ireland, as she believed she had many ancestors from the Emerald Isle. Among her many hobbies, she particularly enjoyed cooking, art, and flowers. She began her art career at age 40 and developed her hobby into a professional passion later in life.

Her kitchen was always filled with delicious aromas and laughter. She was much more than a cook—a chef would be more appropriate. Her sticky toffee pudding was especially prized by family and friends. She was a member of the Bedford International Alliance (BIA), the SML Wine Club, and dearly loved her G.R.I.T.S. sisters.

Whenever she entered a room, it was dazzled with light and her smile. Joyce will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers please consider the National D-Day Memorial.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, August 30, 2025 at Main Street United Methodist Church, Bedford with Rev. Dr. Dawn Compton officiating. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm Friday, August 29, 2025 at Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford. A reception will be held immediately following the Graveside at 704 Baltimore Ave. Bedford VA 24523. To send condolences online please visit tharpfunerahome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.