Joyce Fortune Kenyon

Joyce Fortune Kenyon went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on June 28, 2026. She was born in Springfield, MA on September 23, 1928, the second daughter of the late Edith and Walter Fortune. She was a 1945 graduate of the High School of Commerce and worked in the law offices of Ellis, Auchter & Brooks in Springfield until she and her husband Gifford started their family. While their children were still in school, Joyce was a crossing guard for school children at the corner of Edgemont and State Streets in Springfield. A long-time member of Bethlehem (Baptist) Church first on Roosevelt Avenue in Springfield and then in Hampden, she was actively involved some years ago in the children’s ministries which had a very special place in her heart. Through the years she also served in other areas of the Church. After 56 years of marriage, she was predeceased by her husband Gifford in 2003; and they will now be joined for a joyful reunion in Heaven.

She is survived by her daughter Susan Proctor and her husband Ken of Springfield and son Philip and his wife Patricia of Farmington, CT, and former daughter-in-law Mary Boyd of Lady Lake, FL. Joyce was predeceased by her sister Dorothy Fortune Kenyon who was married to the late Donald Kenyon, Gifford’s brother. Joyce is survived by her grandchildren – Heather, Steven, Michelle, Andrew and JD and their spouses; and step grandsons Isaac and Aaron; and great granddaughters Grace, Madilyn, Quinn, Allison and Sydney and great grandsons Maxon and Conor and step great granddaughter Rosalie. Joyce also leaves two nephews, David Kenyon and Peter Kenyon, and their wives and children.

Joyce was predeceased by her son Paul in 1987 who also awaits her in Glory.

The family would like to thank Brenna from Legacy Hospice for all the kindness, love and care she provided to our mother and our family.

Services will be at Bethlehem Church on Friday, July 10, 2026. Church is located at 123 Allen Street in Hampden MA. Visitation will begin at 10 am, Church service at 10:45 am followed by a light luncheon at the Church. Burial is 1:15 pm at Hillcrest Park Cemetery in Springfield.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Bethlehem Church to be used in their Youth Ministry. Checks can be made out to Bethlehem Church with “Youth Ministry” in the notation line and mailed to the Church at 123 Allen Street, Hampden, MA 01036.