JOYCE ANN (BLAKLEY) LUTRELL

Joyce Ann Blakley Luttrell, born on October 7th, 1956, entered her heavenly home on May 22, 2024, at Saint Joseph Hospital following a long illness.  

She was born to the proud parents of Louis and Mildred Blakley.  She graduated as valedictorian of Evarts High School in 1973.  She would go on to attend Harlan Nursing School to study in the hopes of becoming a nurse.  She would do just that and graduate with honors.  Joyce would begin her nursing career at Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital in 1975 and continued until 2001.  She would soon retire after June 2001 due to physical health and ailments from her job.

Everyone who worked with or met Joyce knew what a hardworking, caring, and funny person she was.  It was through her job with Harlan ARH that she met the love of her life, Gurney Luttrell Jr.  If asked today about how they met he would say he knew he was going to marry her the moment he laid eyes on her.  They would go on to marry on November 28th, 1983, at the Teetersville Baptist Church by the late Rev. Bill Melzoni.  Love was always present in the home of the Luttrell’s.  Joyce and Gurney would go on to have two children - Amy and Adam Luttrell, both stars in their eyes.  Joyce and Gurney would fill their home with love and laughter for many years to come and create long lasting memories.  

Joyce loved all things crafty.  Most who knew her knew how talented she was.  She could make almost anything.  She loved to joke and laugh, in turn making others smile.  She also loved to cook and bake, something she had been fond of since she was a child.  She instilled that love of cooking and the importance of family tradition in both her children.  She was a remarkable, strong woman.  A loving daughter.  A protective and caring sister.  A loving and loyal wife.  The best mother anyone could have.

She is preceded in death by her parents Louis and Mildred Blakley, father-in-law Gurney Luttrell Sr, brother Herman Blakley and sister-in-law Shirley Blakley, brother-in-law Bill Johnson, brother-in-law Larry Lee, as well as brother-in-law Allen Luttrell, and future son in law William Nazario.

Joyce leaves to cherish her memories with husband of 43 years Gurney Luttrell JR (Harlan, KY), daughter Amy Luttrell (Harlan, KY), son Adam Luttrell (Myrtle Beach, Sc), brother Jerry (Doris) Blakley (Pennington Gap, VA), sister and best friend Janet Johnson (Harlan, KY), brother Harold (Chrissy) Blakley (Harlan, KY), brother Randy (Vicki) Blakley (Harlan, KY), mother in law Carolyn Luttrell (Loyall, KY), sister in law Jeanne Lee (Harlan, KY), brother in law John (Traci) Luttrell (Harlan, KY), sister in law Tammy Luttrell (Harlan, KY), two women who were like her own daughters Pamela Smith-Sexton (Coeburn,VA) and Tonya Risner (Evarts, KY), as well as her precious fur grandchildren Teddie and Luci.

To know Joyce was to love her.  She was someone who could always make you laugh, even on the worst days.  She will be missed by all those who loved her.  And, one day we will see her again in no pain, walking with ease, and talking just as cunningly as she always did.  

Friends and family will gather in the Chapel of the Henson & Rich Funeral Home on Wednesday, May 29, 2024, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. to celebrate Joyce’s life. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 2PM with Rev. Kelles Greer officiating and music by Emily Wills and Jeanne Lee at the funeral home.  Burial will follow in Resthaven Cemetery with friends and family serving as pallbearers.  

On behalf of the staff of the Henson & Rich Funeral Home we would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family of Mrs. Luttrell during their time of bereavement.

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