Joyce Faye Price Havener, beloved mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of Christ, went home to be with her Lord and Savior May 29, 2025, at Wellington Parc of Owensboro. Born February 12, 1935, to J.R. and Bessie Bradley Price in Owensboro, Joyce was lovingly raised by her maternal grandparents, John and Rachel Bradley.
Her life was steeped in the church from the beginning and her gift for music blossomed early, singing solos in both church and high school. Joyce was awarded a scholarship to study voice but chose a different path when she married Hugh Havener before he was shipped out with the U.S. Navy for a nine-month tour of duty. After graduating from Owensboro High School, she and Hugh moved to the New England states until Hugh completed his enlistment. The couple returned to Owensboro with their first born and raised four more children together, while Joyce pursued her college education. She earned a degree in English, minoring in music from Brescia College. Joyce was offered a teaching position with the stipulation that she obtained an emergency teaching certificate, beginning a lifelong career in education. For 28 years, Joyce devoted herself to teaching special education students in Daviess County Public Schools, while continuing to further her own education with a master’s degree and Rank 1 degrees from Western Kentucky University. Her love for learning and her belief in every child’s potential was unwavering. In addition to her work in the classroom, Joyce was a woman of many talents and ventures. She and Hugh owned an antique shop, raised cattle, as well as owned and managed rental property.
Faith and family were the cornerstones of Joyce’s life. She gave generously to anyone in need and was a fierce champion of the underdog. Her life was marked by kindness, strength, and unconditional love. She had been a member of Owensboro Christian Church for several years, where she was involved in the lady’s bible study group, before joining Pleasant Valley Community Church.
In addition to her parents and grandparents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Hugh Havener; stepfather, William Martin; and half-sister, Bobbie Gail Hedges.
She is survived by her children, Terry Havener, Sheila (Tony) Cecil, Lisa Hayden, Gayla (Mike) Simmons, and Tally (Lisa) Havener; grandchildren, Adam Cecil, Leslie (Nathan) Cobb, Melissa (Jim) Schieser, Rachel (Chad) Burke, Jeff Hayden, Lindsay (Chris) Gaddis, Meagan (Blake) Priddy, Landon (Caylene Newton) Havener, Lexi (Laquintin Jones) Havener; step grandchildren, Brooke (Stephen) Lane, Sarah (Cody) Lawalin, and Damon (Victoria) Powers; 19 great grandchildren with one on the way; six step great grandchildren; nephew, Michael Welch; cousins, Gary Hagan of Orange County, CA, and Iris Gentry of Henderson; as well as many other loving family and friends.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at Pleasant Valley Community Church, 800 Pleasant Valley Rd., Owensboro, Ky 42303, with visitation beginning at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or Care Net Owensboro, 425 E. 18th St., Owensboro, KY 42303.
Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.