Obituary of Joyce McKay

Joyce McKay was born June 19, 1935 in Oakland Florida to the late William and Susie A. Siplin. She had one brother, William, and three sisters, Carolyn, Helen, and Mary. Some time after her father passed in 1944, her mother met and married Willie Weaver. The family relocated to Rochester, NY in the summer of 1952. The family was later joined by Willie's sons Floyd and Willie Lee, and his daughter, Martha. Joyce graduated from Benjamin Franklin High School in 1953 and went on to attend SUNY College at Brockport, graduating with a Master's Degree in Physical Education. Upon graduating, she worked in the Elmira, NY school district and at General Dynamics in Rochester. Joyce began her long career with the Rochester City School District in 1966 at James Madison High School. In the interim, Joyce met and married Austin D. McKay on January 16, 1960. From this union four children were born: Leisha, Patrick, Paula, and Marc. Joyce and Austin became members of Trinity Presbyterian Church (later to become Trinity Emmanuel Presbyterian Church) in 1960. Over the years she faithfully served the church, chairing the Scholarship and Ebony Fashion Fair Committees, serving as Clerk of Session, and singing in the Senior Choir. In recent years, Joyce and Austin also frequently attended Irondequoit Presbyterian Church. Joyce led a vibrant and active life. She was involved in a multitude of community and church-based organizations and activities. Exhibiting a joy and exuberance for helping others, she was a Girl Scout Leader for many years. Joyce was a cherished member of the faculty at Enrico Fermi School #17; and she also found time for a part-time position with the City of Rochester Bureau of Recreation. After a brief illness, Joyce departed this life on Saturday June 23, 2007. Joyce leaves to celebrate her legacy: her devoted husband, Austin; children Leisha (Saginaw, MI), Paula and Marc; brothers William Siplin and Willie Lee (Barbara) Weaver; sisters Mary Siplin and Martha Carter (Los Angeles, CA); sisters-in-law Una Cole (Leicester, England), Shirley McKay and Patricia McKay; step-daughter Gloria (Ernest) Williams (Orlando, FL); grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, two loving church families; and many friends. Interment, White Haven Memorial Park, Perinton.