Joyce Ann Ernst

September 23, 1929 - August 27, 2017

Joyce Ann Ernst, 87, of Cynthiana, formerly of Berry, passed away on Sunday, August 27, 2017, at Edgemont Healthcare in Cynthiana. Born in Bracken County on September 23, 1929, she was the last surviving child of J.B. and Ollie Fogle Perkins. A graduate of Butler High School, she married Carl Tildon Ernst, and her dear husband preceded her in death on April 1, 1963. Widowed at a young age, Joyce was left to raise three children alone. For many years, she lived humbly. For all her woes and misfortunes, she never once complained or resented her lot in life. She never desired anything more than what she had, because she possessed something worth far more than gold: she had a servant’s heart. No matter how little she had herself, Joyce never stopped seeking ways to serve the Lord and others. As a 54 year member of the Antioch Mills Christian Church, where she worked as the custodian for 30 years, Joyce served the Lord on international mission trips and as a member of the Ladies Aid. She served the children of Harrison County breakfast and lunch at Northside Elementary for 25 years. For many years she worked at Camp Northward Christian Assembly. Joyce served her community as a member of the Kentucky Extension Homemaker’s Association and as a Kentucky Colonel. She was an avid quilter, an artist, and a treasured friend to many. She is survived by three children: Patricia (Kenney) Barnett of Kelat, William (Robin) Ernst of Berry, and Susan Ernst Avery of Lexington; 10 grandchildren: Keith Shepperd, Daniel Shepperd, Samantha Peterson, Judy Ernst, Ronnie Ernst, Brandon (Zainab) Avery, Kevin Avery, Jr., Leandra Avery, Leeanna Avery, and Joseph Avery; 15 great grandchildren: Dakota, Kolton, Evelyn, Landon, Joselyn, Kayle, Andrew, Abigail, Christopher, Lilly, Serenity, Zaniyah, Izaias, Mohammed, and Yasmeen; several nieces and nephews; and a host of extended family and friends. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Doris Ann Ernst; and her siblings: Jim Perkins, Ruby Myers, Kenneth Perkins, Adrian Perkins, Jack Perkins (her twin), and Donald and Ronald Perkins (twins). Funeral services will be held at 2 pm, Friday, September 1, 2017, at the Antioch Mills Christian Church, 12785 US 27, Berry, KY 41003. Visitation 11-2 pm at her church preceding the service. Interment will take place in the Lenoxburg Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Antioch Mills Christian Church or Woodhead Funeral Home. Woodhead Funeral Home is taking care of the family.