Joyce Leigh Bentley, 92, a lifelong resident of Firebrick, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Hill View Continuing Care Retirement Community in Portsmouth, Ohio.
Joyce was born on August 26, 1933, a daughter of the late Oscar Blankenbeckley and Audrey Beverly Blankenbeckley.
In her own words, she had a very blessed life. She worked for the US Postal Service as the Firebrick postmaster for 32 years, called it the best job in the world, and always said she never had a day she did not want to go to work. She had many hobbies, including reading, cooking/baking, crocheting, and quilting. She and her husband, Norman, enjoyed many trips to the Smoky Mountains with beloved family members. Joyce was a long-time member of Firebrick Christian Church and loved her church family. She served as the church bookkeeper for many years.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 58 years, Norman Bentley. She was also preceded in death by five brothers, Jim, Herman, Elbert, Allard, and Randy Blankenbeckley, and one sister, Juanita Stone.
Surviving are Joyce’s children, Rick (Kitty) Bentley, Robin (Dave) Hutchison, Jennifer (Jim) Scherer, and Chris (Tracy) Bentley; one brother, Hal Blankenbeckley; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
Joyce’s legacy is one of love, joy, and gratefulness. If you knew her, you would feel these traits in her presence. She will be missed immeasurably by her family and friends.
Services will be at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Firebrick Christian Baptist Church, 672 Firebrick Indian Run Road at Firebrick, with Raymond Lewis officiating.
Burial will follow in Collier Memorial Gardens at South Portsmouth. Visitation for family and friends will be after 11:00 a.m. Thursday at the church.
Morton-Hunt Family Funeral Home in South Shore is caring for arrangements.
