Obituaries

Joyce Ann (Schwab) Johnson, 86, went to be with the Good Lord on Friday, November 21st, 2025. She passed peacefully at her daughter’s home in Walton, Ky.

Joyce was born to the Late Louis Schwab and Virginia Hempfling. Born and raised in Walton, KY, she grew up and helped run The Phoenix Hotel with her beloved parents and sister.

She went on to graduate from Walton Verona High School where she was a cheerleader. After high school, she built a career at Cincinnati Bell, where she worked her way up the ranks; after 37 years, she retired from a management position.

In her spare time, Joyce loved to do puzzles with her daughter, go to lunch with her many girlfriends, and be with her grandkids and family. She spent many birthdays at the casino and playing cards with her best buddy, Connie Faulkner. She loved to travel and make new memories with family and friends.

Those left to carry on Joyce’s legacy are her daughter Shelly Ponder (Brent); granddaughter Samantha Klein (Joe); grandson Mitchell Ponder (Liv); confidant, sister Connie Faulkner; nephew Brian Tackett (Becky); niece’s Sue Ann Murray, Amanda Schumacher (Matt); great nephew Weslin Schumacher; great niece’s Bailey and Brittney Tackett. Along with dear friend Mary Murray and many other great nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by stepfather Charles (Buck) Hempfling; Sister Virginia “Genna” Lou Murray; daughter Lori Ann Johnson; nephew’s Garner “Buddy” Murray and Dale Murray; sister-in-law Verna Waters.

A visitation will be held from the 10am - 12pm with a funeral service to immediately follow at 12pm on Wednesday, November 26th at Chambers and Grubbs Funeral Home, 11382 Madison Pike Independence KY 41051. Joyce will be laid to rest at Floral Hills Memorial Gardens in Taylor Mill.