Joyce B. Blackstone, 97, entered her eternal rest, Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at the Aroostook House of Comfort, while surrounded by family. She was born March 21, 1925, in Houlton, the daughter of Roy and Maude (Anderson) Barton Sr.

Joyce grew up in Aroostook County and graduated from Fort Kent High School in 1942. She continued her education at Bob Jones College in Cleveland, Tennessee, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Joyce returned to the County and taught seventh grade English at Caribou Middle School. She married Clayton M. Blackstone on December 30, 1947. They shared sixty-two years of marriage until his passing in 2010. Joyce and Clayton lived and raised their children on the family farm where she kept the home and worked alongside Clayton.

Joyce was a longtime member of the Dunntown Advent Christian Church serving as a deaconess, church collector, and Sunday School teacher as well as being actively involved in the Women’s Mission Circle. Her faith was the most important part of her life, and she and Clayton instilled those Christian values into their children.

She enjoyed putting jigsaw puzzles together, doing crossword puzzles and word finds, and reading. Clayton often told people he would be a rich man if it was not for Joyce’s books and music. An accomplished cook, she was well known for her fudge. Joyce was known as the “Card Lady” and many people received a card and fudge as means of encouragement from her.

She is survived by five children: Rev. Clayton Blackstone Jr. and his wife Hazel of Pittsfield, MA, Dale Blackstone and his wife Cynthia of Washburn, Doug Blackstone and his wife Barb of Easton, Gary Blackstone and his wife Laurie of Washburn, Karen Wark of Fort Fairfield, a daughter-in-law, Vicki Blackstone of Summerville, SC, eleven grandchildren, twenty-four great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. She also leaves behind a brother, Roy Barton Jr. and his wife Joyce, a sister, Betty Tompkins both of Greenville, SC, and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Clayton Blackstone Sr., a son, David Blackstone, a great-grandchild, Liam Casey, a brother, Sherwood Barton, and two sisters: Phyllis Blackstone and Gloria Dinsmore.

Relatives and friends are invited for calling hours at 1:30 P.M. Monday, April 3, 2023, at the Dunntown Advent Christian Church. A celebration of life will follow at 3 P.M., with the Rev. Josh Cheney officiating. The family extends an invitation to a reception and continued fellowship at the church fellowship hall, immediately following the service. A committal service will be held at 10 A.M. Monday, July 3, 2023, at the Fairview Cemetery in Perham. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Joyce in a special way may make gifts in her memory to the Dunntown Advent Christian Church (P.O. Box 491, Washburn, ME 04786).

Arrangements were made by Duncan-Graves Funeral Home, 30 Church St., Presque Isle, ME 04769. Online condolences and memories may be shared with the family at: www.duncan-graves.com