Obituary: Joyce E. Empson, 82, Scio

Joyce E. Empson, 82, of Scio, NY, was lifted into the arms of Jesus on Friday, June 23, 2017 with her daughters by her side.  Born August 13, 1934, she was the daughter of William and Jennie Lorrow Spicer.  On August 23, 1952, in Andover, NY, she married Martin D. Empson, who predeceased her on June 2, 1990.  Together they had four children, raising them up on a small farm on Wolf Spring Road in Scio.  She was a graduate of Andover Central School.  Her banking career started in 1964 with First Trust National Bank in Wellsville, where she worked for 25 years, retiring in 1989 from the successor North Star Bank.  Later, she worked for several years in the Fairlawn Cemetery in Scio.  Joyce enjoyed camping, dancing, crossword puzzles, reading, and time spent with her family and many friends.  Surviving are:  three loving daughters, Cheryl (David) Slocum, Marianne (Ken) Harris, and Kris (Paul) Nickerson; a son, David Empson;  nine grandchildren;  several great-grandchildren;  and loving fur babies, Vinnie and Bootsie.  In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Martin Downey; and a special friend, Donald Carl.  Friends may call at the Mulholland-Crowell Funeral Home, Wellsville, NY on Monday, June 26, 2017 from 2:00 – 4:00 and 5:00 – 7:00 p.m., with a Celebration of Life service following at 7:00 p.m.  Pastor Bill Sylor, of the Genesis Bible Church in Scio, will officiate.  Burial will be in Knights Creek Cemetery, Scio.  Memorials may be made to the Scio Volunteer Fire Department or the SPCA serving Allegany County.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.wellsvillefuneralhome.com.