Stephens

Joyce D. Stephens, 79, of Hummelstown, Pa., passed away Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

She and her husband, John Stephens, had been married for 57 years.

Born in Pittsburgh, she was the daughter of the late John William Snedden and Fern Williams Snedden.

Joyce graduated from Butler High School in 1965, and in 1969 earned a Bachelor of Science in biology, with a minor in chemistry, from Elizabethtown College, followed by a 30-year career as an analytical chemist. In 1985, John’s work assignment took them to Pau, France, for nearly three years, where they enjoyed the challenge of living in and adapting to a new culture and language.

Joyce was a lifelong member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Chapter 45, in Butler. With her managerial experience, Joyce proactively mentored minorities she worked with, and aided and guided minority businesses. She was an avid reader and had a deep affection for pets. She also enjoyed gardening and knitting.

Joyce is survived by her husband, John; her brother, Dennis, and his wife, Helen Snedden; her sisters-in-law, Dayna and her husband, Steven Bryner, and Anne and her husband, Michael Helwig; and numerous nieces and nephews.

STEPHENS — Memorial services for Joyce D. Stephens, who died Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 10, at CLYDE W. KRAFT FUNERAL HOME, 519 Walnut St., Columbia, Pa. Interment will follow at Laurel Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Joyce’s memory be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.