Houghton --- Joyce Fay Chamberlain (née Books) passed away on December 22, 2024, in Ocean Springs, MS. She was born on October 1, 1931, in Upland, California to Benjamin Musser Books and Priscilla Catherine Wingerd Books. Joyce was the loving wife of Daniel Robert Chamberlain for over 70 years until his passing earlier this year.
Together they raised and are survived by seven children: D. Rodney, Mark, Anthony, Priscilla, Aletha (Huffman), Cynthia (Becker), Marianne (Pinter) and adopted daughter, Denna Fan. She is also survived by eight children-in-law, over 25 grandchildren and as many greatgrandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Maynard and Virgil Books and sisters Jule Clausen and Lola Gade.
Joyce was vivacious, energetically giving, sharing and enjoying life. A prominent focus for her early life was as an organized and dedicated mother to a large family. She embraced the challenges and joys that come with raising children, taking care of their needs, ensuring they learned skills, and acquired the courage and confidence needed for a successful adulthood. Joyce's love extended to her children-in-law, grandchildren (and their spouses) and great grandchildren. With her husband, she made sure each family member received a birthday card each and every year (which continued into her 90's).
When a grandchild reached 12 years old, Joyce and Dan hosted them for a special week of travel, movies and games. Her annual Christmas tradition of baking and posting a vast assortment of cookies for each family became an anticipated and cherished parcel.
Joyce had a strong Christian faith and was a consistent presence in her places of worship. She attended Brethren in Christ churches during the first half of her life and Wesleyan churches in the second half. She actively participated in the choir, often as a soloist, taught Sunday school, directed a children's choir, and served with women's groups. She was quick to remind everyone at the end of a visit that, “God loves you.”
Professionally, Joyce taught fourth grade at Rossmoyne Elementary in PA from 1968 to 1976 and for a few years was hired as a church soloist in Harrisburg. She also mentored student teachers from Houghton College in NY. Of note, during the last months of her life, her children published her 1979 master’s degree thesis which a children’s book was titled, Look What I Can Do! It contains stories based upon raising her own children with the values and confidence that can be gained when their mother works outside of the home.
She combined her love of people with the talents of organization, planning, hospitality, and large-scale cooking as she became the beloved First Lady of Houghton College, where Dan was president from 1976 to 2006. Her gracious generosity was felt by thousands as she welcomed them into her home, celebrating people and events. Each Christmas, Joyce and Dan hosted over 500 faculty and staff for a pancake breakfast and for nearly 30 years, she served close to 1,000 guests with a grand tea at their home for the graduating class and their families, baking most of the treats herself.
Besides cooking, baking, and fearlessly catering to large crowds, Joyce was competitive at playing cards, board games, and dominoes. She had a wicked underhand volleyball serve and surprised many college students when she beat them in racquetball. She couldn’t resist a bargain and loved (and shared) garage sale finds. She organized Canasta round-robin tournaments and Bible studies, sometimes for up to 60 women, always accompanied by food. These events brought together otherwise disparate individuals and communities. Joyce’s love and talent of music was evident as she played piano and performed duets with Dan of secular and sacred songs throughout their lives.
Joyce Fay Chamberlain will be remembered for her energetic spirit, sense of humor, and dedication to friends and family with endless generosity and hospitality. She touched the lives of many through her roles as a wife, mother, grandmother, educator, and community leader. Her legacy of welcome and kindness and love for Jesus will continue to inspire those who knew and loved her.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, January 2, 2025, at 11 AM with viewing and visitation at 10AM at the Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Ocean Springs, Mississippi. The service will be live streamed via a link provided by the funeral home’s website. A memorial service will be held in Houghton at a later date and will be announced.
Local funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Kopler-Williams Funeral Home, 21 N Genesee Street, Fillmore.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Joyce’s name to Benjamin and Priscilla Books scholarship at Messiah University in PA or a charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be made at: www.koplerwilliamsfuneralhome.com.
