Joyce W. (Pitman) Barrows

Joyce W. (Pitman) Barrows, 82, of Marathon, NY, passed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on March 6, 2022.

Joyce was born March 25, 1939 in Hunts Corners to the late Albert F. and Della G. (Halcomb) Pitman.  She was the youngest daughter and last surviving child of eleven siblings.  A graduate of Marathon Central School, Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Robert (Bobby) Barrows, in 1956.  Joyce and her late husband owned and operated a dairy farm in Freetown for many years.  They later built and operated Bob’s Country Store and Museum, buying and selling antiques, and refinishing furniture.  Joyce enjoyed sewing, reading, gardening and observing nature, especially wildflowers and birds.  She will be remembered for being a truly gentle and kind Christian lady, and a loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend.  There was always a welcoming chair and cup of coffee at her kitchen table for family, friends and neighbors.

Joyce is survived by her son, Dale (Stacy) Barrows of Freetown; daughters, Joanie (Stephen) Davis of Freetown and Christine (Kellie) MacBlane of Lowell, MA; and also grandsons, Thomas Davis of E. Freetown and Luke Barrows of Freetown.  In addition, she is survived by sisters-in-law, Marion Barrows of Brady, TX, Betty Pitman of Preble, and Sally Pitman of Lapeer; brother-in-law, Ernest Spencer of Marathon; several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.  Joyce is also survived by her dear best friend, Linda Sunderland of Whitney Point.

In addition her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Bobby, in 2003; and her brothers and sisters:  Berl Pitman in 1989, Ernest Pitman in 2000, Ruth White in 2016, Earl Pitman in 1945, Nelma Pitman in 1971, Ina Utter in 2015, Lloyd Pitman in 2016, Reva Spencer in 1997, Rita Tryon in 2001, and Ralph Pitman in 2020.  In addition, she was predeceased by a granddaughter, Emily Davis, in 2017.

“The Lord is My Shepherd; I shall not want.  He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:  He leadeth me beside the still waters.  He restoreth my soul:  He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’ sake.  Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.  Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies; Thou annointest my head with oil; My cup runneth over.  Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the House of the Lord Forever.”  Psalm 23

Joyce will be laid to rest next to her husband in the Marathon Cemetery.  In keeping with her wishes, there will be no funeral service.  Donations in Joyce’s memory may be made to the Marathon Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 131, Marathon, NY 13803 for restoration and maintenance.