Joyce Ann "Philebaum" Gernand

Joyce Ann (Philebaum) Orr Gernand, 77, of Fort Wayne, IN, left this world peacefully on September 14, 2025, in her home, surrounded by her loving family after a brief and sudden battle with an unexpected illness.

Born February 28, 1948, in Portland, Indiana, to Edward Junior Philebaum and Betty (Bales) Botts, Joyce's life was a beautiful testament to love, faith, family, and servanthood. She graduated from Dunkirk High School in 1966, the same year she married Ed Orr on June 12. Together, they began their life as a military family before eventually settling in Fort Wayne, where they raised their children. On July 21, 2004, she was blessed to find love again, marrying Frederick Gernand in Colorado Springs, CO.

Joyce had a gift for making a house feel like a home. She was the heart of every gathering, with warmth that extended far beyond her immediate family. For her children and grandchildren, she was a pillar, a steady anchor of encouragement, wisdom, and unconditional love. For their friends, she was "second mom" - the one with the open door, the listening ear, and the comforting meal at the ready. Her home was not just a place to visit, but a place to belong.

To her family, she will forever be "Grandma Swaggy" - a title she wore with honor, joy, humor, and grace. Her laughter, her hugs, and her boundless encouragement will remain treasured memories for those who loved her most and she carried that gift into every season of her life.

Joyce's faith was the cornerstone of her journey. She was a devoted member of The Chapel, where she poured out her heart into worship, fellowship, and service. She lived out her beliefs daily with grace and quiet strength. She also found joy and purpose in the Discipleship Walk #48, Table of Deborah, where she built lasting bonds of faith and authentic friendship.

Joyce's legacy lives on through those she loved so deeply: her husband, Fred, of Fort Wayne; her sons, Jim (Julie Ottinger) of Fort Wayne and Jeff (Cheryl) Orr of Mishawaka; siblings Sandy Rogers, Vickie (Doug) Siders, Michael Philebaum, Brenda (George) DiBattiste, Barbara (Ed) Riley, and David (Becky) Philebaum; grandchildren Jaxton Orr, Kella Orr, Shaley (Eric) Bultemeyer, Falecia (Jordan) Lekarczyk, Chelsea Siewinski, Ashtyn Orr, Darian Orr, Lily Posuniak, A.J. Orr, Sophie Posuniak, and Leo Orr; and seven great-grandchildren who were the light of her later years.

She was welcomed into Heaven by her parents, her brother Joe Philebaum, and her brother-in-law Bill Rogers.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Joyce's life and the legacy she leaves behind. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 19, from 4–7 PM at The Chapel, 2505 W Hamilton Rd. South, Fort Wayne. A service honoring her life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 10 AM, with visitation prior from 9-10 AM, also at The Chapel, with Pastor Mike Fanning officiating. Burial will follow at Covington Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to:

New Mercies Ministries

PO Box 25712

Fort Wayne, IN 46825

or online at:

https://apps.new-mercies.org/give-now

Arrangements have been entrusted to McElhaney Funeral Home, Roanoke Chapel, 240 Crestwood Drive, Roanoke, IN.

Her life was a gift to us all, and her love will live on in all who knew her.