Wednesday, May 5, 2021 following her courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.
Born on February 28, 1944 in Oil City, PA, she was the daughter of the late
William J. and Loretta Gilmore Dempsey. Joyce married her high school
sweetheart and devoted husband of 55 years, Gary L. Morrison on March 4, 1966.
Joyce was a graduate of Oil City High School, class of 1962, where she was a
Varsity Cheerleader, Secretary of the Senior Class, and was a member of the
Acapella Choir and National Honor Society. She then attended Slippery Rock
University, graduating in 1966 with a degree in Health and Physical Education and
was a proud Rockette (Cheerleader) and member of the American Association of
University Women.
Joyce and Gary began their family with Joyce working as a substitute teacher with
the DuBois, Hermitage, and Millcreek School Districts. After she raised her
children, she began an 18-year career as a full-time teacher with the Millcreek
School District, retiring from Westlake Middle School in Erie, PA.
Retiring to Gettysburg in 2001, she was a member of Gettysburg Presbyterian
Church where she served as a Deacon and was a teacher at Vacation Bible School,
delivered Meals on Wheels for 12 years, and served with the Adams County
Department of Aging for 6 years. Joyce was an avid Pickle Ball player and loved to
sew, play golf, read, and gardening. She especially enjoyed traveling with Gary and
being a Soccer, Cheerleading, and Ice Hockey fan, cheering on and supporting her
grandchildren. Her beautiful smile will be missed by all.
Surviving in addition to her husband are daughter and son-in-law Michelle and
Rick Mason; son and daughter-in-law Mark and Myung Morrison; siblings William
J. Dempsey, Jr., Lois Dempsey Smith, and Edward Dempsey; and her pride and
joy, grandchildren Zachary Mason, Alyssa Morrison, and Matthew Morrison.
Joyce was predeceased by brother David Dempsey and by brother-in-law Dick
Logan.
The family will receive friends on Saturday, June 5, 2021 from 10:00 a.m. until the
start of the service to celebrate Joyces life at 11:00 a.m. with her pastors
Rev. Dr.
David C. Wright and Rev. Louis A. Nyiri officiating. Services will be streamed live
at gettysburgpresbyterian.org (click view services)
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her name to Gettysburg Presbyterian Church Organ Fund, 208 Baltimore Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
This obituary was originally published here.