Wellsville, NY - Joyce L. Larson, 83, of 133 Hills Street died on Saturday, December 4, 2010 at the Wellsville Manor Care Center following a brief illness. She was born September 1, 1927 in Dansville, the daughter of Thomas and Ruth (Ferchland) Forsythe. On November 23, 1957 in Jamestown she married Vernon F. Larson who survives.
Joyce was a graduate of Dansville High School; received a BA in English and Drama from Keuka College and her Masters from Alfred University. She taught English, Speech and Dramatics at Wellsville High School for 36 years, retiring in 1990. She directed the first musical in Allegany County; Victor Herbert's "The Red Mill" and directed over 72 plays and musicals during her career. She was a life member of the New York State Retired Teachers Association, Past President of the Wellsville Retired Teachers Association, Past President of the Allegany County Retired Teachers Association and Past Historian and Medical Coordinator of the New York State Retired Teachers' Association, Central Western Zone. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society and a member of the Andover Presbyterian Church, where she served as an Elder and Clerk of the Session.
Surviving in addition in addition to her husband, are two sons, John F. Larson of Atlanta , GA and Richard C. (Julie) Larson of Raleigh, NC, the apple of her eye, her granddaughter, Anna Larson, a sister, Suzanne (Frank) Leicht of Penfield, a brother, Donald (Carolyn) Forsythe of Penn Valley, CA, as well as several nieces and one nephew.
Friends are invited to call on Wednesday from 2:00 to 4:00 and 7:00 to 9:00 pm at the J. W. Embser Sons Funeral Home Inc., 34 W. State Street in Wellsville. The Funeral will be Thursday, December 9, 2010 at 11:00 am in the funeral home with Rev. Dean R. Bembower presiding. Burial will be in Lake View Cemetery in Jamestown. Memorial donations are suggested to any charity of the donor's choice. To leave online condolences, please visit www.embserfuneralhome.com.