Joyce Irene French

PRINCETON– Joyce Irene Centers French, 82, of Princeton passed away on Monday, July 25, 2016 at Princeton Community Hospital with her family and Pastor Larry Dyer by her side. Born on April 27, 1934 on Farley Hill, Beckley, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late William Taylor Centers and Frances Irene Smalley Centers who were raised in Illinois and traveled to West Virginia looking for work. They raised eight children, Joyce being the oldest. Joyce was a Christian, unselfish, fun-loving, always willing to help and loved being with family and church. After the 2nd set of twins was born, Joyce, age 13, and her friends helped her mom with them. Years later, her sisters, Charlene and Darlene along with sons, Tommy and Eric Lester, Chris and Kerry Keys and brother-in-law, Roger Lester made sure she was a part of all activities and took care of all her needs. Joyce was a graduate of Oceana High School and McLain’s Business College in Bluefield with a two year degree in medical technology. She worked at the Beckley Hospital, medical facilities in Chicago, Illinois, Mullens Hospital in Mullens, West Virginia and back to Chicago where she lived and worked until she moved to Princeton in 1996. She was a member of Fairview Christian Community Church in Princeton and the Daughters of Jerusalem women’s group. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Alf Lamb; second husband, Tony French; sister Joann Bane; brothers-in-law, Bill Bane, James Lamb, Jim Miles and Glenn Keys. She is survived by daughter, Debra Joyce Burdette; son, Mark Drexal Lamb; grandson, Blake Burdette and great granddaughter, Haylee Burdette all of Texas; brother, Taylor Eugene Centers of Oakland, California; sisters, Frances Miles of Tazewell, Virginia, Linda Dameron and husband, James of New Bern, North Carolina, Brenda Stewart and husband, Kenneth of Saulsville, West Virginia, Charlene Keys of Radford, Virginia and Darlene Lester and husband, Roger of Princeton and many nieces and nephews. Joyce’s body will be cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, August 5, 2016 at Fairview Christian Community Church 120 Black Oak Road, Princeton with Rev. Larry Dyer officiating. Friends may visit one hour prior to the service at the church. Arrangements by Bailey-Kirk Funeral Home in Princeton. To view a video tribute to Mrs. French, or share online condolences with the family, please visit www.bailey-kirk.com.

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Joyce Irene French

April 27, 1934 - July 25, 2016