11/11/2025
Joyce McKenny
Joyce Sylvia Rolle McKenny was born on December 21, 1934, in Miami, Florida. She was the twelfth of thirteen children born to Edward and Martha Rolle. Joyce peacefully departed this life on November 8, 2025, at the Care Center at Sunset Lake, surrounded by loved ones.
In 1953, Joyce met a distinguished gentleman and the love of her life, Horace O. McKenny, in Miami. They married in June 1954 and soon relocated to South Fallsburg, New York, where they became deeply rooted in their community and raised six children. Guided by the values instilled by her parents, Joyce always put God and family first and had a natural inclination to help others.
Joyce was a founding member of the First Baptist Church of South Fallsburg, where she sang in the Senior Choir and served as Church Clerk for 25 years. She was also a Charter Member, Honorary Member, and Past Matron of Starlight Chapter No. 74, Order of the Eastern Star. Her commitment to education and community was evident through her service as President of the Parent Teacher Association and as a dedicated member of the committee for the Annual Community Scholarship Dinner. Joyce also served on the Board of the Community Action Commission to Help the Economy (CACHE), where she played a key role in opening Sullivan County Head Start. She later worked at Head Start, enjoying a fulfilling career that spanned nearly 30 years.
Joyce loved traveling with her husband, family, and friends-especially to Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Wadley, Savannah, and Miami. She was an avid card and Bingo player, enjoyed jigsaw and word puzzles, and was a passionate sports fan. Known for her delicious cooking, Joyce had signature dishes that were always requested by family and friends. She embraced the saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," and was a motherly figure to many. If you were in her home or presence, she treated you as her own-loving you, feeding you, guiding you, and loving you again.
Joyce is survived by her children: Belinda McKenny; Barbara McKenny; Horace E. McKenny and his wife, Joann; Nathaniel McKenny and his wife, Carolyn; and Regina McKenny-Snead and her husband, Jules. She leaves behind grandchildren: Shannelle, Justin, Brandon, Shaina, Colton, Lakesha, Marisha, Demone, Zayd, and Zhara; great-grandchildren: DeMichael, Jordan, Kmani, Cameron, Vi'Sean, Teyah, Camden, Alessandra, Arrow, Horus, and Dynastee; and great-great-grandchild: Kaylan. She is also survived by her godchildren: Sharon Robinson-Rowe, Joycelyn Jordan and Derek Scott; and a host of nieces and nephews who affectionately called her "Auntie Joyce." She was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Martha; her husband, Horace; her daughter, Rochelle; her grandchildren, Malik and Chamille; and her twelve siblings.
The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at the Care Center at Sunset Lake and Hospice of Sullivan and Orange Counties for the care and support given to Joyce and her family.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of South Fallsburg, 5258 Main Street, South Fallsburg, NY 12779. Funeral services will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by interment at Old Falls Cemetery, Fallsburg, NY.
Arrangements are under the direction of Colonial Memorial Funeral Home. For more information, please call (845) 434-7363 or visit www.colonialfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
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