Joyce E. (McElhattan) Hewitt, 81, of Chicora, formerly of the Oil City area, passed away, unexpectedly Thursday, January 26, 2017 at Butler Memorial Hospital.

Born February 27, 1935 in Bradford, she was the daughter of the late Ross B. and E. Irene (Switzer) McElhattan.

She was a member of the Chicora Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Joyce worked at various jobs throughout her life, waitressing being her favorite. Her love of people and her gift of gab also lead her to a life of full-time ministry after her retirement. She loved to travel, especially visiting her many friends made while living in California. She was a loving care-giver to many over the years.

Surviving are five daughters, LuAnn C. (Carl Krzyzkowski) Jacoby of Erie, Sharon F. (Richard)  Bowser of Bruin, Janet L. (Carl) Bowser of Hilliards, Wendy A. (Chad) Bowser of Bruin and Billie Jean (Ray) Springer of New Bethlehem; eleven grandchildren, five great grandchildren, three sisters, Linda Bethune of Scottsville, NY, Karen (Dan) Spaulding of Acme, and Mary Ellen (Robert Gibson) McElhattan of Decatur, GA; one brother, Thomas (Pat) McElhattan of Cyclone, and several nieces and nephews.

Joyce was preceded in death by her former husbands, Frank Stephens and Steve Hewitt and one great granddaughter, Allison.

Joyce’s family will welcome friends from 1:30 PM until her memorial service at 3:00 PM, Saturday, February 4, 2017, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 222 Holly Rd. Chicora. A gathering in remembrance will follow at the North Washington Social Hall, 2225 Oneida Valley Rd., Rt. 38, Petrolia.

Local arrangements are under the direction of the Hollenbeck-Cahill Funeral Homes Inc.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.hollenbeckcahill.com