“Well done, good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23
Joyce Shaver Gibson, 96, of Clay, West Virginia, entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on October 25, 2025. She was born on March 1, 1929, in Swandale, WV, to the late Oval Opten Shaver and Eloise Hickman Shaver Roberts.
Joyce lived a long, faith-filled life devoted to God, her family, and her community. She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved daughter, Noell Beth Stivers, and has now joined them in the blessed reunion promised to all who believe.
She is survived by her loving husband, John Morgan Gibson; her daughter, Caroline (Rick) Taylor; her son, Timothy Butcher; her step-son, Terry Gibson; her step-daughter, Anita (Benny) McKinney; and her sister, Penelope Shaver Griffith.
A proud and cherished grandmother, Joyce leaves behind Jada (James) Adkins, Rick Taylor, Jason (Loarie) Butcher, Andy Butcher, Amber (Thad) Marling, Matthew Dawson, Cassandra (Brandon) Harris, Timothy (Kira) Gibson, Jacob Ferrebee, and Chelsea Ferrebee. She is also lovingly remembered by great-grandchildren Parker Taylor, Pierce Adkins, Palmer Adkins, Rielly Taylor, Jason Butcher, Bryce Butcher, Zacharee Wisda, Kameron Butcher, Mackenzie Coleman, Michael Dawson, Ryilynne Harris, Madilynne Harris, Seth Gibson, Tacoma Gibson, Maddox Butcher and Connor Gibson; as well as great-great-grandchildren Greyson Coleman, Dawson Coleman, Jackson Coleman, and Theodore Sullivan. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will miss her dearly.
Joyce graduated from Widen High School in 1946 and later attended Morris Harvey College, where she majored in Liberal Arts and Religious History. Throughout her life, she exemplified the Christian principles of honesty, service, and compassion in all she did.
For many years, Joyce was a devoted member of Trinity Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as the church pianist and organist, using her musical gifts to glorify the Lord. Her music filled the sanctuary with warmth and reverence, and her presence in worship was a blessing to all who knew her.
She served faithfully as the Clay County Assessor from 1977 to 1996, earning the WV Assessor of the Year Award in 1986 and a Special Service Award in 1994 for her dedication to her community. Joyce also served as Mayor of the Town of Clay for many years, leading with integrity and care. Alongside her loving husband, Joyce owned and operated Clay Furniture for over 30 years, where she treated every customer like a friend, reflecting Christ’s love through her kindness and integrity.
Joyce was also active in multiple civic and charitable endeavors, serving as President of the Widen Women’s Club and as longtime Secretary of the Clay Golden Delicious Festival Board, where she was honored with the President’s Award in both 2007 and 2010.
Joyce was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Frances Chapter No. 28, for more than 70 years. Her faith guided her service as Grand Representative of Michigan in West Virginia (1996–1998) and Grand Representative of Arkansas in West Virginia (2008–2010).
A devoted civic servant, Joyce also served for many years on the Clay County Democratic Executive Committee, living out her belief that faith and community go hand in hand. In
recognition of her lifelong dedication to others, she was named West Virginia Democrat of the Year in 1993.
Joyce will be remembered as a woman of faith, grace, and steadfast love—one who served her Lord by serving others. Her gentle spirit, wise counsel, and unwavering kindness will continue to shine in the lives of those she touched.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers who so lovingly attended to Joyce in her final days: Susan Osborne, Vickie Dean, Debbie Morris, Beth-Ross Kuhn, Cindy Mullins, and Heather Jones.
Though Joyce’s earthly journey has ended, her faith assures us that she is rejoicing in Heaven—reunited with loved ones and resting safely in the arms of Jesus.
Visitation was held at Wilson-Smith Funeral Home on Saturday, November 1, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service followed on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., also at Wilson-Smith Funeral Home, with burial following at Walnut Grove Cemetery in Dille, WV.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com
Wilson Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Gibson family.
