Joyce Worley Vandegrift, age 80, of Hebron Ohio passed away March 13 of Covid pneumonia. Joyce was exceptional! She didn’t know a stranger. She was a mentor to so many. She lit up a room upon her entry.

Incredibly gifted in identifying the unique needs of a child, her 32 years as an elementary school teacher made a memorable difference in so many lives. She began her teaching career in Missouri, then taught in Illinois and Kentucky, and concluded teaching 3rd graders for 15 years at Jefferson Elementary in Gahanna Ohio.

In 2015 while visiting her favorite Chinese restaurant, Joyce met and befriended the owner’s 5-year old daughter Jessica, who did not speak English. On the next visit, Jessica approached Joyce and, pointed at her month, eyes, & ears, and spoke those words. When Joyce learned Jessica was about to start Kindergarten, she went to the principal and offered to work with Jessica a couple days per week. Through singing, playing games and, of course, teaching, Joyce taught her English. By the end of her second year, Jessica was one of the top students in her class. 

An active member of Stonybrook Church since she & Dick moved to Gahanna in 1985, Joyce's first calling (no surprise) was with those indelible children exploring life, learning, and experiencing Christianity. During the past 35 years, Joyce has cultivated a relationship with nearly every child she’s met at church, at home, and in the neighborhood.   

Not only did Joyce work with the elementary children at Stonybrook Church, she and Dick also led an annual Marriage Enrichment Class for 34 years culminating in 127 participating couples. And she always said she learned more from the participants than they did from her!  

Among Joyce’s most meaningful experiences has been mentoring a Young Moms' group at Stonybrook. She experienced so much joy from these women, especially when she met their kids.

Joyce and Dick retired in 2000 and built a home on Buckeye Lake in Harbor Hills.  Both continued to be extremely active at Stonybrook, in their Harbor Hills neighborhood and with countless other organizations.

Joyce believed everyone should “be the hands and feet of Jesus". If you knew her, you were welcome at her table. And, boy could she cook!   

Born and raised in Fairfield Illinois, she is preceded in death by her parents Katie & Arch Worley and an older brother Bill.  Joyce is survived by her husband Dick; older brother Don (& Marilyn) Worley; sister in law Karlene Worley; son Stephen (& Linn) Preston; daughter Melissa (& Greg) Schwalbach; daughter Allyson (& Steve) Parker; stepdaughter Marque (& Michael) Preininger; stepson Rick (& Janet) Vandegrift; and 11 grandchildren & one great grandchild. 

A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at Stonybrook Church when all are able to hug unmasked, likely this Summer. In lieu of flowers, the family would encourage contributions to Licking County Coalition for Housing or Stonybrook UMC. Joyce always had a passion for the good works of these two organizations.