Joyce Marie Vargason Wood, 90, of Owensboro, went to be with the Lord, on July 5, 2024, under the care of Hospice of Western Kentucky. Joyce was born November 18, 1933, in Owensboro to the late James William Vargason and Frances Henry Vargason.
Joyce has been a member of First Baptist Church since 1944 and served the Lord with her beautiful voice for many years as a member of the choir.
After graduating from Owensboro Senior High School, where she was a majorette, in 1952, she attended Kentucky Wesleyan College.
After working for First Security Bank in Lexington, Joyce began her long tenure at Owensboro National Bank in 1968. Because she was always the epitome of professionalism, she rose through the ranks. She was promoted to the position of Vice President of Personnel in 1980, becoming the first female vice president in the bank’s history.
Joyce was a true-blue UK Wildcats basketball fan, enthusiastically engaging in game discussions with her brothers. She enjoyed sewing, meticulously making many stylish, compliment-worthy garments through the years. She enjoyed gardening, delighting in planting flowers each spring to brighten her yard anew.
Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her sisters Betty Joan Garrett and Carolyn Sue Reisz; her nephew Todd Reisz; and her brother-in-law Ed Baker.
Joyce is survived by her daughter Kimberly Wood; her siblings William “Billy” (Bobbie) Vargason, James “Jimmy” (Dot) Vargason, and Mary Frances Baker; her nieces and nephews, Pamela Garrett, Stephanie (Don) Leibee, Stacey Smith, Angela (Darin) Lewis, Scott (Melissa) Vargason, Jennifer (Sheldon) Roberts, Dana Walden, and Michael (Kerry) Baker; along with 12 great nieces and nephews and 11 great-great nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Baptist Church, 230 JR Miller Blvd, Owensboro, KY 42303, or Girls, Inc., 2130 G- East 19th St, Owensboro, Ky 42303.
The family would like to thank the staff of Heartford House for their compassionate care of Joyce during her stay.
The private funeral service for Joyce will be officiated by Brother Paul Strahan. Burial will be in Rosehill- Elmwood Cemetery.
Haley McGinnis Funeral Home & Crematory is both honored and privileged to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Wood. Leave your messages of condolence for the family of Joyce Marie Vargason Wood and sign her virtual guestbook at www.haleymcginnis.com.