Joyce E. Shough

SHOUGH, Joyce E., age 88, of Lebanon and formerly of Tuscon, Arizona and Waynesville, Ohio, passed away on Friday, February 9, 2024. Loving, caring, giving, supportive, and considerate, Joyce was family-oriented and loved to talk and ask questions. Her family was a priority. There was never a time when anything overshadowed her love, concern, and devotion for her family. She cared deeply for those around her and was known for the level of attention and concern she had for the well-being of those she loved. As the years went by, her hobbies focused on being active in her church, home decorating, and checking in on her children and grandchildren. She loved flowers, especially red and pink roses. She also enjoyed collecting antiques and shopping, especially at her favorite stores Kohls, Dillards, and the many small shops in Waynesville. In fact, she obtained a job at Carlisle Gifts in Waynesville, partly so she could “recycle” her paycheck for home furnishings. She loved dogs and cared for several over the years. Some of her favorites were Sugar, Shadow, Sailor, and Bear. She was an excellent cook. Family favorites were her chicken and rice casserole, chicken enchiladas, and peanut butter fudge. She consistently demonstrated throughout her life how to balance home, family, and a successful career. Highly valued and respected in her career, Joyce retired as an Employment and Recruitment Manager from the Tucson Medical Center after 22 years of service. During her time in leadership with the medical center, she served as a President of the Arizona Association of Health Care Recruiters. Joyce provided strong, quiet leadership that demonstrated commitment to the organization and her profession. In addition, she served on several committees and worked tirelessly to improve her profession and work environment. Even after her retirement, Joyce continued serving the healthcare profession by continuously supporting her granddaughter Heather, a nurse, through the challenges faced during the last several years. A devout woman of faith, two of the most meaningful trips she took with her husband David were to Israel in the late 90’s. In her later years, while living in Ohio, she was a member of the Friendship Baptist Church in Harveysburg. Joyce enjoyed several traditions during her life. Always the entertainer, she often hosted friends and family at her home, where she set out an elegant dinner setting, complete with fine china. During the holidays, she enjoyed the family prayer circle in which each person would say what they were thankful for. Joyce always spent a considerable amount of time expressing the care and love for each family member and friend she was blessed to have. Of course, while living in Arizona, she also loved the tradition of traveling back to Waynesville for the Sauerkraut Festival and to shop in the local antique stores. During her later years, she enjoyed sitting in her sunroom visiting with her lady friends at Otterbein, and the dog friends that would visit her brought great joy. Among many things, Joyce will be remembered for her love of collecting chicken figurines and decor, even though she didn’t care much for the live animal. In addition, she will be remembered for how much she missed her mom after her death and for how much she looked forward to seeing her again in Heaven. She was preceded in death by her parents, Conway and Ivetta Emmons, and two brothers, Bill and Donald Emmons. She is survived by her husband of 69 years, David; sister, Darlene Jacobs; son, Stephen David Shough; daughter, Cynthia (Michael) McLaughlin; three grandchildren, Matthew (Shannon) and Bryan McLaughlin, and Heather Shough; two great-grandchildren, Meredith and Eloise McLaughlin. Funeral services will be held at 1 PM on Wednesday, February 14, at Stubbs-Conner Funeral Home in Waynesville. Burial will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in South Charleston, Ohio. Pastor David Rakes will be officiating the services. The family will receive friends from Noon - 1 PM Wednesday at the funeral home. If desired, contributions may be made to Ohio Valley Hospice, 11590 Century Blvd., Suite 110, Cincinnati, Ohio 45246. Condolences at www.stubbsconner.com.

Joyce E. Shough

December 15, 1935 - February 9, 2024