Joy V. Blackburn Emerson, 93, of Lakeview, OH went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday morning, September 16, 2024, while at her earthly home.
Joy was born on May 28, 1931, in Springfield, OH, a daughter of the late Eugene George and Nola E. Connor DesCombes. She was married to Howard C. Blackburn for 55 ½ years and he preceded her in death on August 21, 2006. She was also preceded in death by two brothers, Edward Eugene DesCombes, and Martin Lewis DesCombes.
Joy married Charles L. Emerson on August 13, 2013, on Paradise Island at Indian Lake and he survives. Joy is also survived by three sons, Robert J. (Karen) Blackburn of Lakeview, Mark C. (Rebecca) Blackburn of Botkins, OH, and Jon E. (Kimberly) Blackburn of Lakeview, 10 grandchildren, Christi (Austin) Compton, Staci Severt, Jason (Julie) Blackburn, Carly (Jason) Bailey, Linsey (Nate) Titus, Tyler (Natalie) Blackburn, Salah (Sergei) Greutman, Jeshuah Blackburn, Shekinah (Jordan) Dodds, and Corinne (Casey) Nielsen, 20 great grandchildren, three great-great grandchildren, four sisters, Nora Myers, Jeneane Lesko, Linda Lewandoaski, and Barbara Tassell, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Joy was a 1951 graduate of Stokes Local High School. She was an Avon District Sales Manager for over 20 years. Joy enjoyed quilting, photography, writing, reading, and traveling. Her greatest passion was sharing the Word of God. She was a long-time member of Christ United Methodist Church in Lakeview and then became a member of Only Believe Ministries, being a member of each church for over 40 years each. She became a licensed minister at the age of 77 and began writing Christian books under the name of Joy Renee Blackburn. She published several books with her and Charles’ publishing company, The Village Carpenter World Wide, and distributed them through Amazon. She started God’s House International in April 2010. She was also a member of Full Gospel Businessmens Fellowship of America. Joy’s love of God and her family was apparent to all who spoke with her. She will be missed.
Joy’s daughter-in-law, Pastor Karen Blackburn will begin funeral services at 1:00 pm, Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Shoffstall Funeral Home, 205 S. Main St, Lakeview, with visitation from 11-1. Burial will be in Walnut Hill Cemetery, New Hampshire, OH.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given in Joy’s memory to Only Believe Ministries.
Arrangements are in the care of Shoffstall Funeral Home, Lakeview, OH. Condolences may be expressed at shoffstallfuneralhome.com.
