Joyce A. Sample, 85

May 21, 2018

Joyce A. Sample, a lifelong resident of Lancaster, passed away on Monday, May 21, 2018 in her eighty-sixth year due to the inhumanity inflicted by Alzheimer’s Disease. She was born Joyce Arlene Barnett on February 11, 1933, the youngest daughter of Leon Wilson and Dorothy Kissinger Barnett. Leon passed on her birthday in the year 1971 and her mother departed on July 14, 1998.
She is survived by her son, Gary L. Sample (Joan L.) of East Petersburg, PA. In addition, she enjoyed the company of the following paternal cousins: Pat Sourbeer (Pequea), Richard Barnett, Jr. (Mount Joy), Kay Todd (Landisville), John Hartman (Lancaster), Carol Baxter (Lancaster) and Bonnie Dando (Mechanicsburg). Joyce had one sibling, Doreen H. Matroni who died on January 4, 2018. Doreen left behind one son and Joyce’s only nephew, Victor J. Matroni.
Joyce was a homemaker and employee of the former Radio Corporation of America for thirty-seven years. In 1965, her father fell victim to a viral brain infection which eventually led to his death. At this time, she began providing a loving home for her mother. This special relationship existed for thirty-three years.
At RCA, she was part of the Tube Production Unit, which equipped space exploration satellites for the United States of America. After RCA was purchased by General Electric in 1986, she was employed by Warner Lambert, Lititz, PA. From where she retired. As an avocation, she enjoyed meeting people with sewing needs in the East Lancaster Walmart Store.
Joyce took great pride in maintaining her home particularly the lawn, plants and flowers. She had a gift for designing and assembling floral arrangements, wreaths and seasonal decorations. For years, she continuously supported the Downtown Merchant District. As a young woman, she shopped at the Southern Market, Shaub’s Shoe Store, Watt & Shand and many other fine stores. More recently, The Central Market was a favorite stop for fresh meat and produce as well as Christmas cookies.
Joyce and her family would like to express their gratitude to all the nurses, aides, case workers and staff who provided extraordinary care on Seven North of the Lancaster General Hospital. We send a special mention to John Gill, P.A. of the Hospitalist Internal Medicine Group. Joyce’s Luther Acres Family is an exceptional group of men and women. Thank you to all at Agape Way. These three professional teams have expertise, compassion, communication skills and the desire to excel to be at their daily best.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Joyce’s Funeral Service from Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory, 414 E. King Street, Lancaster, PA 17602 on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 11 AM. The Viewing and Greeting will take place at 10 AM. Burial will be in Cedar Lawn Cemetery following the service.