Joyce Ann Creel (McTarsney), 59, passed away at her home on July 25, 2026.
Born on December 24, 1966, in Pinellas Park, Florida, Joy spent most of her childhood and adult life in Citrus County. She married her high school sweetheart in Inverness, Florida, and at just 18 years old began building the family that would become the center of her world.
Joy devoted much of her life to raising her children, supporting her family in every way she could, and creating a home where everyone felt loved, welcomed, and cared for. She believed there was no occasion too small to celebrate and no detail too insignificant when it came to making memories.
She had a remarkable gift for making ordinary moments feel extraordinary. Holidays, especially Christmas, were nothing short of magical because of her. Every decoration, tradition, and thoughtful detail reflected the love she poured into her family.
Joy loved being creative. She was an incredibly talented artist, an exceptional cook, and someone who was always dreaming up her next project. Whether she was transforming a room in the house, tending to the backyard garden, drawing beautiful artwork, or preparing a Southern home-cooked meal, she approached everything she did with care and intention. Joy held herself to the highest standards and took great pride in making every detail just right. Cooking was one of the ways Joy showed her love, and every meal she prepared was made with pride, generosity, and enough food to ensure no one ever left hungry.
Joy found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved spending time with her family, whether it was gathering around the table for home-cooked meals and card games or simply relaxing in the sunshine with a good margarita. She loved going to the beach, singing along to her favorite songs, reading romance novels, and watching her favorite shows, especially Outlander, Little House on the Prairie, and Gilmore Girls. She also adored her chocolate lab, Rosie, whose memory always held a special place in her heart.
One of Joy’s proudest accomplishments was earning her Bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from the University of Florida while raising her young family. She spent much of her children’s childhood balancing motherhood with college classes, graduating in her early thirties. Although her degree did not define her career, it reflected her determination and lifelong love of learning. More importantly, it inspired her children to value education, curiosity, and perseverance.
Later in life, Joy found another calling as a substitute teacher, a role she was immensely proud of. She loved working with students and found great joy in encouraging and supporting them. It was a chapter of her life that brought her a deep sense of purpose and fulfillment.
Joy is survived by her mother, Deborah Berry, and her husband, Newton Berry; her sister, Kimberly Sandy; her brother, Michael McTarsney; her children, Justin Creel and Autumn Creel, and their partners, April Royal and Alwyn McConnell; and her beloved grandchildren, Charlie Creel and Jackson Creel.
She was preceded in death by her father, Christopher McTarsney; her brother, Mark McTarsney; her cherished chocolate lab, Rosie; and her beloved son, Jeremy Creel.
Those who knew Joy will remember her beautiful smile, her kind heart, her incredible creativity, and her unwavering devotion to her family. She found happiness in caring for others, creating meaningful traditions, and making every gathering feel special. Her legacy lives on through the love she shared, the home she created, and the family and friends whose lives she touched so deeply.
A celebration of Joy’s life will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. at Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home. Family and friends are invited to gather in remembrance of a woman whose love, generosity, creativity, and devotion to those she loved will never be forgotten.
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