Joyce Elizabeth Jess
On Sunday, December 25, Joyce Elizabeth Jess passed away. She was 95 years old. Born to Mildred and John Collins on Oct. 29, 1927.
She was the older sister of Bruce Collins and Avis Collins Williams.
Joyce graduated from Brockton High School and went on to apprentice to become a tailor. Joyce also worked as a baker and telephone operator before being married.
Joyce married Thurman Sheldon Jess in 1948. They were together for nearly 55 years. They both loved to spend a couple of weeks every summer in Cape Cod. Both were also fanatic Buffalo Bills fans. One did not dare call them during football season if a game was being played!
Joyce was an avid reader, able to read through 4-5 books a week. Braiding wool rugs, quilting projects, knitting, needlepoint and cross stitch were amount her many talents. She taught tailoring classes in Holliston night school during the late 1960s as well as during her time in California at Leah’s Fabric Gallery. During the 1970s, she worked at JCPenney managing their fabric department.
She and her husband were long-time residents of Lyndonville, NY. Previously residing in Pittsford, NY, Mundelein, IL, Orange, CA, and Holliston, MA. Joyce had more recently moved to Brockport for these last 5 years.
She is predeceased by her husband, Thurman and older son, Richard. She leaves behind daughters – Christine Marrocco and Jennifer Jess of Rochester and her son – David Jess of Fort Lauderdale, FL, also, three granddaughters: Kirsten Lamb of Greece, Stephanie Hopkins of Hilton and Kerribeth Miller of Clarksville, TN plus numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
On Wednesday, Jan. 4, a memorial service will be held. Calling hours are from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. followed by a memorial service from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Bogan & Tuttle Funeral Home, 226 Pearl Street, Medina, NY 14103. Interment in Lynhaven Cemetery, 12 Housel Avenue, Lyndonville, NY 14098 will follow.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Yates Community Library, 15 North Main Street, Lyndonville, NY 14098. Please light a candle or share a memory of Joyce at: www.bogantuttlefunerals.com.
