Phyllis Joy Byars, 86, wife of John Harris Byars, of Garden Park Drive, Nicholasville, passed away Monday, September 16, 2024, at the UK Markey Cancer Center. She was born in McCreary County, Kentucky, on October 9, 1937, to the late Leo New and Hassie Davis New. Joy was a graduate of Danville High School and the Fugazzi Business School. She was also a member of the Edgewood Baptist Church. Left to cherish her memory are her husband of 62 years, John; daughters, Sherri Powers (Bobby), and Kellie Adkins (Kevin); son, Chris Byars (Kim); as well as multiple grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in death by a sister, Betty Hogue. Services will be held at 12:00 PM, Thursday, September 19, at Betts & West Funeral Home with Pastor Steve Gray officiating. Burial will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens, where casket bearers will be Chris Byars, Nathan Byars, Kevin Adkins, Jeff Turner, Bobby Powers, and Michael Thomas. Visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of service, Thursday, at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to go to the Edgewood Baptist Church Mission Fund. The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Bluegrass Care Navigators for the compassionate service that Joy received under their care. Betts & West is honored to serve Joy and her family in their time of need. An online guestbook is available at www.BettsAndWestFuneralHome.comĀ
To plant trees in memory, please visit theĀ Sympathy Store.
404 North Main Street, Nicholasville, KY 40356
Memories and condolences can be left on the obituary at the funeral home website.


What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf youāre in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more