Rock Hill, SC – Mrs. Joy M. Bower, 70, passed away on Friday, December 6, 2024 at her home, surrounded by her loving family.
A memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at Greene Funeral Home Northwest Chapel, 2133 Ebenezer Road, Rock Hill, SC 29732.
Born in Bridgeport, CT, Joy was the daughter of the late William Michael Hathaway and the late June Joy Hathaway. She was married to her adoring husband, Wayne Bower for more than 46 wonderful years. Wayne has always said that he “married up.” They met on a blind date in 1977, married in 1978 and moved to Milford, CT in 1980, where they began an active life together. They had many happy memories of sailing on Long Island Sound and raising a family. She stayed busy running a household and juggling a nursing career. After moving to South Carolina in 1994, it was more of the same for Joy – raising her family, running a household and continuing in her occupation as a nurse.
Her career was one of great commitment and dedication. She was a 1974 graduate of Bridgeport Hospital School of Nursing in Bridgeport, CT. Joy worked as a Critical Care Nurse in Bridgeport for more than 20 years. After moving to South Carolina, she worked for the Rock Hill School District as a school nurse, also for more than 20 years. She was the recipient of the Palmetto Gold Nurse Recognition and Scholarship Program in 2011.
Joy had several hobbies, including crafting, reading, and enjoying lunch with her many friends. She always enjoyed being at the beach and walking, especially at Ebenezer Park. Being near the water was something that made her very happy.
Her plans after retiring in 2019 were cut short after a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease. She faced a steady decline in her health for the past 2-3 months, especially in her final 2-3 weeks. Her immediate family was there to hold her hands as she took her final breath.
Surviving are her husband, Wayne Bower; her four wonderful children, Debbie Seidel (Rick) of Southington, CT, Jeff Bower (Lauren) of Portsmouth, NH, Matt Bower and Lauren Bower both of Rock Hill; her sister, Robin Capra; two brothers, Brian Hathaway (Jackie) and Bill Hathaway (Andrea); her grandson, Kyler Bitondo; two granddaughters, Sabina and Liana; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to thank their family, friends, and neighbors for their constant support. They would also like to offer a special thank you to the care given by Agape Hospice, especially Demetrius. You all carried us well through her final journey.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Joy’s name to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the York County Humane Society, Agape Hospice, or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
Condolences may be made at www.greenefuneralhome.net.