Joyce Graham Newsom

Joyce “Joy” G. Newsom, 87, of Erlanger, Kentucky, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2026, at St. Elizabeth Hospice in Edgewood, Kentucky. She was born on November 14, 1938, in Maysville, Kentucky, to the late William Robert and Edna Duke Graham.

Raised in Erlanger on Sunset Avenue, Joy was a proud graduate of Lloyd Memorial High School, Class of 1956, and later earned her bachelor’s degree in business from Eastern Kentucky University. It was during her years at EKU that she met the love of her life, Ruey Newsom. The two were united in marriage on September 1, 1962, and shared 58 wonderful years together.

Above all else, Joy was the heart of her family and the very definition of a devoted mother, wife, and grandmother. She welcomed her son, Ruey II, in 1967 and daughter, Lauren, in 1972, and made motherhood the center of her world. She and Ruey had a remarkable gift for making a house feel like home. Whether organizing family gatherings, preparing holiday meals, hosting church friends, or planning reunions, Joy and Ruey loved bringing people together.

Her home on Hope Lane was often filled with laughter, food, and fellowship. Christmas celebrations, Thanksgiving dinners for the Newsom family, church potlucks, and gatherings for her Lloyd High School classmates became cherished traditions because of Joy’s warmth and hospitality. She had a way of making everyone feel welcomed and cared for.

A gifted seamstress, Joy expressed her love through her hands. She sewed dresses, curtains, and costumes, creating countless treasured items for her family. She also enjoyed shopping—especially trips to Piece Goods —which became one of her favorite pastimes and fond memories shared by those who loved her.

Joy’s professional life reflected her dedication and strong work ethic. She worked for the railroad early in life, later substitute taught, and eventually served in administrative roles at The Christ Hospital and the Institute for Reproductive Health in Rookwood. Her commitment to helping others remained steadfast, and she continued working until the age of 80. She also co-founded a local consignment shop, the “Snappy Turtle,” alongside a neighbor, giving her the flexibility to care for her children while still pursuing her talents.

A longtime and faithful member of Erlanger Baptist Church, Joy was deeply involved in her church family and was deeply committed to her Lydia Sunday School class. In later years, she cherished attending the Trio Service at First Church of Christ in Burlington. Sundays often ended with one of her favorite traditions—going for a drive with Ruey after services. Together they loved day trips throughout Kentucky, especially to places like Smithfield, Rabbit Hash and General Butler State Resort Park, enjoying good food and discovering hidden gems along the way. She fondly looked forward to the annual vacations to the Great Smoky Mountains and Lake Cumberland.

Family was everything to Joy. Though she came from a small immediate family, she became the center of a much larger one through love, hospitality, and devotion. She especially treasured weekends spent in Maysville as a child, the annual Newsom family reunions in Robinson Creek, KY, and time with her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Ruey Newsom; and her brother, Robert “Bob” Graham and her beloved Boston Terrier, Princess.

She is survived by her loving son, Ruey A. Newsom II; daughter, Lauren (Gerald) Eversole; her cherished grandchildren, Kendall and Josh Eversole (Erin); sister-in-law Judith Kinder; brother-in-law Lawrence Newsom; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 10:30 AM at Linnemann Funeral Homes. There will be an immediate graveside service where Joy will be laid to rest at Highland Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cincinnati Foundation for the Blind https://cincyblind.org/support-us/donate.

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