JOYCE CARSON

Joyce Cooley Hammock was born September 21, 1931 in Front Royal, VA to Millie and Statton Hammock, who instilled in her their devout love for God and service to others.

Joyce began playing piano at age 6 and at age 13 began serving as organist for the First Baptist Church of Front Royal, a position that she continued throughout her youth. Joyce graduated from Warren County High School in Front Royal and then earned her BA in Music from the Lebanon Valley College Engle Conservatory of Music in Annville, PA. Joyce married the love of her life, Joseph Malcolm Carson, Jr. on April 2, 1955 in Front Royal.

Joe and Joyce moved to St. Clairsville, OH in 1968, where Joyce used her musical gifts to faithfully serve the greater St. Clairsville community. She served 8 years as an accompanist to the youth in local school district competitions, 20 years accompanying the “Ohio Valley Chorale” which involved overseas evangelistic outreach, 20 years accompanying a local men’s singing ensemble named “Barb’s Boys,” and 43 years serving the First Presbyterian Church in St. Clairsville, OH as the pianist, organist, and Director of Music.

Joyce’s love of worship to God inspired everyone she encountered, but her husband Joe and family were especially blessed to enjoy holiday and birthday celebrations together with her leading in song while accompanying on the piano. Christmas was the most meaningful holiday to Joyce. She brought great joy to others as she led carols every year at her family and church gatherings. Joyce’s natural generosity and graciousness always made everyone feel welcomed and valued on these occasions.

In 2018, Joe and Joyce retired to Providence Point Retirement Center in Pittsburgh where she continued to play the great hymns of the Christian faith on her piano for her family, friends, care-givers, and residents of the Center.

Joyce is predeceased by her husband Joseph Malcolm Carson, Jr. and her parents Millie and Statton Hammock. She is survived by her brother Alan Hammock (Virginia) of Morgantown, WV and by 4 children: Jean Carson Hamilton (Blake), Judith Carson Spering (Jim), Joseph Lougheed Carson (Ellen), and James Hammock Carson (Kristin). She is also survived by 15 grandchildren: Dana, Drew (Avery), Leigh, Jac, Kendon (Jake), Keeley (Joe), Carson (Sydney), Aubrey, Kristin, Ally, Collin, Will, Sam, Katherine, Claire, and 5 great-grandchildren: Audrey, Beau, Cara, Charlie, and Liam.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life Reception for Joyce from 1:30PM-4:30PM on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the St. Clair Country Club, 2300 Old Washington Road, Upper St. Clair, PA 15241.

There will also be a funeral service for family and friends at 11:00 AM on November 16, 2024 at the First Baptist Church, 14 W 1st Street, Front Royal, VA 22630 where Joyce will be laid to rest next to her parents and her beloved husband of 64 years, Joe.

Flowers for the church service in Front Royal, VA may be arranged through Donahoe’s Whimsical Flowers, 235 Chester Street, Front Royal, VA at 540-635-2815 or donahoesflorist. com.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association by calling 800.272.3900 or online at (https://www.alz.org/) Greater Pittsburgh, PA 15222 chapter or Greater East Ohio Chapter, Canfield, OH 44406.