[vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none”][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” column_element_spacing=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text]
Joyce Marie Courtney, past Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stonecroft, passed away May 1, 2020, at her residence in Cynthiana, Kentucky. She was 84.
Joyce, known for her love of Stonecroft, service, and humor accompanied by her contagious laughter, served with Stonecroft for 30 years, first as a National Representative and then as CEO from 1997 to 2004.
Phyllis Stern, National Board of Trustees Chair during Joyce’s time as CEO, remembers Joyce as courageous. Joyce was the first CEO to succeed the leadership of Helen Duff Baugh and Mary Clark. “It took courage to follow in the footsteps of the founders,” Phyllis points out. “It was Joyce’s real love for the Stonecroft ministry that led her to continue on with its mission.”
Joyce also served on the board of Christian Women’s Clubs of Canada. During Joyce’s time as CEO, Stonecroft constructed Cedarcrest, a three-floor apartment complex with ample space for staff living units and commons areas. The ministry also adopted a new board governance model still used today and released the “trinity series” of Bible studies, then titled Who is Jesus?, What is God Like?, and Where is the Holy Spirit? Revised in 2012, these studies continue in popularity.
Even with pressures that can come with leading a ministry, Joyce maintained her joy. “Joyce lived up to her name,” wrote Ruth Hild, former Chief Operations Officer. “The Joy of the Lord was evident in her life. Laughter was a beautiful part of all her relationships, and her laugh and love of God will live on in the memory of those who knew and loved her. Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Before and after her time at Stonecroft, Joyce served in a variety of ministry and community organizations and ways: her church (as a deacon and on several committees), mission trips, women’s and homemaker’s clubs, and was the current President of the Cynthiana High School Alumni Association. She was also the recipient of the Ambassador of Good Will Award from the State of West Virginia.
She is survived by a sister, nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]