Joyce L. Parker

Joyce L. (Garnett) Parker

71, of Camden, peacefully passed away, Thursday, May 8, 2025, surrounded by her family.

She was born September 6, 1953, in Hamilton, to the late Helen L. (Beiser) and John M. Garnett, Jr.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her son, John “Jack” Parker; brother, Dale Garnett; father and mother in law, John and Mary Parker; and nephew, Geoffrey Garnett.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 53 years, Richard A. Parker, whom she married July 23, 1973; children, Amy (Dave) Fugate, Jamie (Angie) Parker, and Andy Parker; grandchildren, Blake Rogers, Haylie Rogers, Christina Parker (Chad Jones), Jimmy (Amy) Parker, Nick Parker, Andy Parker Jr., Cat Parker, Mary Parker, and Richard (Herbie) Parker; great grandchildren, Emma and Sage Jones, Wyatt and Liam Parker, Nicholai Parker, Andy and Hailey Parker, Matthew Parker, Makayla Warner, and Nevaeh Parker; and siblings, Ron Garnett, Fred Garnett, Charlie (Val) Garnett, and JD (Tammy) Garnett, and a special aunt, Frances "Butch" Daniels. Along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends who became family to her.

She retired from McCullough-Hyde Hospital after 30 years of dedicated service as a cook, where her meals comforted countless patients and staff. But perhaps she’ll be most fondly remembered for her legendary “blizzard” cake, famously whipped up during a snowstorm, which became as much a family story as it was a dessert.

With a quick wit and a sharp tongue, Joyce always said exactly what she meant, and usually with a clever remark to go along with it. Her sense of humor was as strong as her coffee and twice as memorable. She was a quilter extraordinaire, stitching love into every patch and gifting her beautiful creations to family and friends throughout the years. Each quilt was proof to her patience, talent, and care.

Joyce had a deep love for the outdoors. She found joy in fishing trips to the Great Lakes and Grand Lake St. Mary’s and knew just where to go mushroom hunting in secret Michigan and Ohio spots she never revealed- not even under heavy questioning. Her cooking was legendary (though she never quite mastered meatloaf), and she could turn just about anything into a delicious meal. Her fried chicken and biscuits and gravy were unrivaled and will be deeply missed at every family gathering.

A visitation will be held Thursday, May 15 from 11AM to 1PM at BALES FUNERAL HOME, Camden. The funeral service will begin at 1PM with Pastors Greg Jackson and Roy VanWinkle officiating. Joyce will be laid to rest at Fairmount Cemetery, Camden, beside her son, Jack.

Contributions in Joyce’s memory may be made to Camden-Somers Township Firefighters Association.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Dr. Thomson and his staff and Ohio’s Hospice for the care they provided.