Joyce M. Austin

Joyce M. Austin, of Elba, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 19th, 2025, at the age of 97. Born on Sunday, January 29th, 1928, in Pharr, Texas, Joyce lived a long and fulfilling life, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication.

Joyce was the cherished wife of the late Lowry M. Austin, with whom she farmed for over 43 years in Elba, creating a home filled with warmth and hospitality. Her devotion to her family was unparalleled, and she will be dearly missed by her children, James M. (Kathleen) Austin, Nancy E. (Kenneth) Miller, and Patricia L. (Richard) Pratowski. She was a proud grandmother to four grandchildren, Matthew J. (Sharrie) Austin, Jennifer M. (Andrew) Holliday, Kevin (Karen) Austin, and Kimberly (Kevin) Ball, and a doting great-grandmother to Kaden and Kaelin Ball. Nieces and nephews also survive.

Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Henry Derr and LoveLake Frasier Derr, her loving spouse, Lowry M. Austin, and her son, Eugene R. Austin. She was also preceded in death by her siblings, Dixie (Gerald) Ancelet, Leola (Harmon) Stoops, Iva Lee (Jeff) Stokes, Henry (Lois) Derr, Albert (Shirley) Derr, Donald Derr, Melvin (Thelma) Derr, Glenn (Maxine) Derr, William (Esther) Derr, and Everett (Beth) Derr.

A member of the Elba United Methodist Church, she found joy in traveling, gardening, reading, bowling, playing cards, and trips to the casino, sharing these passions with her family. Joyce’s family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the New York State Veterans Home for the exceptional care and compassion they showed Joyce during her time there.

Visitation will be held at Bohm-Calarco-Smith Funeral Home, 308 East Main Street, Batavia on Friday, April 25th, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm. A funeral service to honor and celebrate Joyce’s life will be held at Elba United Methodist Church, 8 Church Street, Elba, on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at 1:00 pm. She will be laid to rest in Maple Lawn Cemetery, Elba. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105, or the Elba United Methodist Church, 8 Chapel Street, PO Box 56, Elba, NY 14058.