On Tuesday, January 19, 2016, after a courageous 17 year battle with cancer, one of God's most valiant servants was called to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Joyce Elizabeth Mayers was born on September 24, 1955 to Virgil and Grace (Whyte) Mayers. She grew up in Ravenna and graduated from Ravenna High School in 1973. While in school, she played trombone in the band and was active in the youth group of the Grace Gospel Church in Ravenna. On March 16, 1974, she changed her name only slightly when she married James Myers, also of Ravenna. They owned and operated Myers Appliance. Joyce was a former member of Crossroads Community Church, and most recently, Portage Community Chapel. Over the years she was active in almost all ministries of the church. In 2013 she was selected as Honorary Survivor of the Relay for Life event held annually in Ravenna. She encouraged countless others in their fight against cancer. Joyce was an amazing wife, mother and grandmother, and her family was her joy. She was very talented as both a decorator and hostess, but her main hobby was loving people. As well as appreciating old friends, she had a passion for meeting new people and sharing her Best Friend and Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ with them. One could not cross her path without hearing of her faith. In addition to her husband J.P., she is survived by her children and grandchildren: Jennifer (Frank) Edwards and their children Elizabeth and Lillyanna of Rootstown; Joshua (Michelle) Myers and their children Jordan, Marissa, Jessica and Michael; Jonathan (Christina) Myers and their children Zackary and Nickolas; and Julie (Eric) Christian and their children Taylor, Christian, Mykenzie, Sophia and Maximus all of Ravenna. Her children and grandchildren were the delight of her life. She is also survived by her sister Irene (David) Ruehr of Shalersville; sisters-in-law Reba Mayers of Durham, NC, Suzie (Jim) Heldreth of Kent and Laura (Tim) Young of Ravenna; her Costa Rican "daughter" Carolina Esquivel Navarro; lifetime friend Denise Isackila; longtime friend, caregiver and sister in Christ Pam McMillion; and friend and brother in Christ Paul Platz. Also surviving are her nieces and nephews Lynette (John) Scott, Matthew (Jennifer) Mayers, Eric (Jennifer ) Ruehr, Kurt (Mary Louise) Ruehr, Kathryn (Jonathan) Epling, Bart (Amy) Heldreth, Lisa Young and numerous great nieces and nephews. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Rev. Ron Mayers, sister Dr. Joan Mayers and nephew Stephen Mayers. Calling hours will be from 2-4 and 6-9 PM Thursday, January 21, 2016 at Portage Community Chapel, 6490 State Route 14 in Ravenna and from 12 PM until time of service at 1 PM Friday, January 22, 2016 at the church. Reverend Mark Miller will officiate. Burial will follow in Maple Grove Cemetery in Ravenna. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Robinson Hospice or the Center of Hope in Ravenna. "The Lord redeems the life of his servants; none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned." Psalm 34:22
THE LORD GIVETH AND THE LORD TAKETH AWAY. BLESSED BE THE NAME OF THE LORD.
