Joyce Burnett Whitmer

Joyce Burnett Whitmer was born on May 6, 1933, in Dayton, Ohio, as the eldest of three daughters to the late Donovan and Vivian (Lukey) Burnett. After graduating from Kiser High School, she worked at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and the National Cash Register Company.

Joyce spent a summer in New York City before attending Ohio University, where she earned a B.S. in Education. She went on to work for Brooklyn Schools, Fairless Local Schools, and ultimately retired from Massillon City Schools, where she served as a tutor for students with learning disabilities.

Joyce met Lloyd Whitmer at Ohio University, and the two were married for 55 years, living in Navarre, Ohio. She enjoyed reading, crossword puzzles, movies, music, and traveling to Myrtle Beach with her family.

Joyce passed away at the age of 91 on Christmas Eve Day, December 24, 2024, after a period of declining health. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, two nieces, and a nephew. Joyce is survived by her daughters, Cynthia Griffith (Mark Bonner), Ellen Whitmer, and Carol Whitmer; her son-in-law, William Bailey; and her grandsons, Adam Griffith (Krystal May) and Andrew (Keirsten) Griffith. She is also survived by her sisters, Jane Wells and

Brenda Sue Keithley; her brother-in-law, Gary Keithley; as well as her nephews and nieces: Tom Hay, Barbara (Bob) McAfee, Kathy (Tony) Frustaci, Fran (Don) Marlow, Michelle Wells, and Nicholas (Margarita) and Michael (Christy) Keithley.

The family would like to extend their gratitude to Crossroads Hospice, as well as the staff and nurses of Jackson Ridge, The Inn at University Village, and Danbury for their care of Joyce over the past four years.

In memory of Joyce, donations can be made to Refuge of Hope Ministries, P. O. Box 9361, Canton, OH 44711 (refugeofhope.org).

Immediate arrangements have been entrusted to Atkinson Feucht Hare Funeral Home in Navarre. Private services will be held at a later date. Your memories and condolences are always welcome and may be added here to Joyce’s on-line guestbook. 

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