Joy Drake Florence, 74, of Calvert City, Kentucky passed away at 3:00 a.m. Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Ray and Kay Eckstein Hospice Care Center of Mercy Health Lourdes. She was born in Winsted, Connecticut to George Webb Drake and Ruth Alma Stevens Drake. Joy had worked as a Dental Hygienist, Veterinary Assistant and was the former owner and operator of the Wizard of Ahhh’s Children’s Clothing Store. She organized the first Ladies Ducks Unlimited in the state of Kentucky. Joy enjoyed fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors in nature. She was a Master Gardener and her backyard was a masterpiece of her work and vision. Joy was a great chef and enjoyed cooking and entertaining friends and family. She loved caring for animals especially dogs and cats but also she enjoyed feeding the wildlife. Joy was a loving wife, mother and grandmother.
She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Jennifer “Jenny” Walker, DVM of Calvert City, Kentucky, Heather Leighton of Calvert City, Kentucky, Brenda Boyarski and husband, Phil of Paducah, Kentucky and Becky Hunt and husband, Greg of Paducah, Kentucky, Holly Brockman-Johnson and husband Steve of Louisville, Kentucky;brother, Robert S. Drake and wife, Sandy of Paducah, Kentucky; special friend, Meredith Baker of Columbus, Kentucky; eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.
Joy was preceded in death by her loving husband of 42 years, Robert H. Florence; step-son, Robert H. “Bobby” Florence, Jr. and her parents.
Private family graveside services will be held at the Calvert City Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to your favorite charity.
You may leave a message of sympathy and light a candle at www.milnerandorr.com.
Milner & Orr Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Paducah is in charge of arrangements.
