Joyce Virginia McCleery

Joyce Virginia McCleery, 69, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. She was born in Lakewood, Ohio, November 6, 1954, to William “Bill” and Virginia “Ginny” Tinney.

After graduating from Rocky River High School in the Class of 1973, Joyce attended Baldwin Wallace College where she received a degree in early childhood education. She started as a teacher in the North Ridgeville school system teaching grades 4-6 throughout her career, eventually retiring from Wilcox Elementary.

Joyce expressed her love for Jesus with thorough and joyful participation with many ministries and studies at LaPorte and Bay United Methodist churches. Her example and shining personality made her beloved by both congregations.

Joyce brought so much love into the world and showed it in big and small ways to those in her life. Joyce touched the lives of so many. From her husband to her 5 children (including 2 stepchildren) and her 8 grandchildren, her parents to her 4 siblings and their children, not to mention the countless friends, coworkers, and students she taught, she made each and everyone feel special and loved.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Jonathan McCleery; children Robert Davis, Zachary (Carolyn) Davis, and Julia (Bart) Dekker; stepchildren Greg (Ashley) McCleery and Rachel (Otis) McCleery; siblings Rick (Yvonne) Tinney,David (Carol) Tinney, Donald (Claudette) Tinney, and Jan (John) Balliett; her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial for Joyce will be held at LaPorte United Methodist Church in Elyria, Ohio on Saturday, November 25 at 4:00 PM. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers consider donating in Joyce’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to The Laubenthal Mercado Funeral Home of Elyria (440)322-4626. Online condolences to the family may be expressed at www.laubenthalmercado.com

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