Joyce M. Blackburn

Joyce M. Blackburn   “loved the Lord”

CERES, PA---Joyce M. Blackburn, 70, of Ceres, passed away on Saturday, December 10, 2016, in the Pavilion at Bradford Regional Medical Center, Bradford, after a short illness.

Born on October 16, 1946 in Jamaica, NY, she was a daughter of Thomas W. and Arlene Dries Gildersleeve.  On November 18, 1977 in Bay Shore, NY, she married Ernest C. Blackburn, who passed away on May 26, 2009.

For several years, Joyce was employed as a school bus driver on Long Island. 

She was a member of Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church in Shinglehouse where she served as a Sunday school teacher and had also participated in several mission trips.  Joyce loved her church.

Surviving are a daughter, Patricia E. (Mark) Cottrill of West Monroe, NY; a granddaughter, Lurese Cottrill; a grandson, Matthew (Ashleigh) Cottrill; four great-grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth (Christine) Gildersleeve of California; and nieces and a nephew.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joyce was predeceased by a granddaughter, Rebecca Cottrill Everett.

There will be no public visitation.  Services will be held privately at the convenience of the family.  Burial will be in the Maple Grove Cemetery, Shinglehouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grace Bible Independent Baptist Church, 392 Coon Crossing Road, Shinglehouse, PA 16748.

Joyce’s family has entrusted her care to the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences or share a fond memory of Joyce, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com