Obituary of Joyce L. Howard

Sherrill-Joyce L. Howard of Sherrill, NY went to be with her Lord on Sunday morning April 2, 2023 one day before her 78th birthday surrounded by the love and prayers of her family. Born April 3, 1945 in Oneida, New York a daughter of the late Clifford D. and Gladys (Burns) Sawner. Joyce was a 1963 graduate of Vernon Verona Sherill Schools and received her diploma in practical nursing from Madison-Oneida BOCES. On June 24, 1967 Joyce and David A. Howard were united in marriage in the former St. Catherine's Catholic Church in Vernon and have shared this sacred vow of over fifty-five years together. Joyce dedicated her life to caring for others. First, to her family and then to those who could not care for themselves. Always putting the needs of others before herself. Her professional career was spent with The Rome Development Center, caring for those with disabilities, retiring in 2002. Her three greatest loves were her Family, her Church, and her precious dogs. Joyce enjoyed traveling with her husband, sunsets on Oneida Lake, and bowling with her friends at the CAC in Sherrill. She had an incredible ability to light up a room with her smile and her sense of humor. Surviving is her beloved husband David A. Howard of Sherrill, two daughters and two sons-in-law, Denice (Steve) Long of Sherrill, Brenda (Robert) Hicks of Sherrill, Matthew (Leah) Howard of Vernon Center, her pride and joys, Steven Long, Bradley Long, Devin Long all of Sherrill, Amanda (Caleb) Chapman of Bangor, ME, Matthew Hicks of Sherrill, Benjamin Howard and Daniel Howard of Vernon Center, one sister Kathryn Sawner of Buffalo, and several nieces and nephews. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Clifford D. Sawner and Gladys B. Sawner, her sister Mary Ann Medley and her nephew Douglas A. Medley. Family and friends are invited to call on Thursday, April 6, 2023 from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Malecki Funeral Home Inc., 464 Sherrill Rd., Sherrill, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday April 13, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Church, 4352 Peterboro Street, Vernon, NY. Burial will immediately follow in St. Helena's Cemetery, 1776 Middle Road, Oneida, NY. In lieu of flowers please send donations in memory of Joyce to Holy Family Church, PO Box 988, Vernon, NY, 13476. Online condolences may be sent to maleckifuneralhome.com