Joyce D. Crabtree

Joyce Crabtree, age 90, of Lake City, entered the arms of her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sunday morning, April 30, 2023 surrounded by her loving friends. She was born on January 16, 1933 to the late Rex Deal and Emma Whitt Deal of Kentucky; she then moved to "the farm" in Ohio. She graduated from South Point Highschool located in South Point, Ohio in 1951 and started working at Owens Illonis Glass in 1952 until 1977. She lived next to Issac Crabtree and his family farm most of her life and eventually married him on January 28, 1953. Being blessed with 63 years of marriage before his death in 2016.

Moving to Florida in 1983, Joyce occupied her time with gardening, cooking, sewing, reading her Bible and other biblical books, and helping others when needed. She took care of Clara Lambert (her sister) until her death, which involved daily trips to Willowbrook. Joyce was a two-time survivor of Breast Cancer in 1993 and 2008. In 2001, she was diagnosed with Kidney Disease. Joyce had a special little dog named Emma Leigh, who lived for 21 years and was Joyce's pride and joy. She was a Christian and a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Lake City.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Issac Crabtree; her parents, Rex and Emma Deal; her sister, Clara Lamber and her puppy Emma Leigh.

Survivors include her cousin, Alva Boggs of Kentucky; brother-in-law, Jim Crabtree of Ohio; a special friend, Sandy Moore of Monticello, FL and her beloved church family at Bethlehem Baptist Church.

Joyce will be greatly missed by her Eastside family as well and that radiant smile that greeted everyone even up to the days prior to her passing.

A gravside funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. in the Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Cemetery with Rev. Bob Richter officiating. Interment will follow. The family will receive friends for a time of visitation beginning at 10:00 A.M. prior to the service at the funeral home.

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