Joyce L. Zinn July 14, 1945 - September 6, 2024

Joyce L. Zinn, 79, of Quakertown, formerly of Coopersburg passed away Friday, September 6, 2024, in the Hospice House of the VNA of St. Luke’s surrounded by her loving family. She was born in York, PA a daughter of the late Allen W. and Helen J. (Kelly) Dehoff.

Joyce grew up in Dallastown and attended school in the Dallastown School District. There she was a member of the school chorus, play performances and the national honor society.

Joyce met her husband, Ed, while the two were seniors at Dallastown Area High School, York County, PA. They were married for 56 years.  Following graduation, Joyce pursued a degree in Elementary Education at Millersville State Teachers College. Her first teaching position was as a third-grade teacher in the Dallastown Area School District. In January, 1968, Joyce resigned, married her husband, Ed, and moved with him to Coopersburg, PA. Three days later, Joyce was employed as a second-grade teacher in the Southern Lehigh School District, Center Valley, PA. This began a thirty-five-year career of teaching 2nd, KDG, 3rd, 5th, and finally 1st grade. She was a conscientious and creative teacher who loved to see her students learn and grow in confidence.

Joyce’s first love was her family, and she enjoyed family celebrations. She was a great cook and loved to prepare nutritious meals and delicious desserts. Joyce loved to travel, and she and Ed visited all 50 United States. She loved to play golf and played her best games when in Best Ball tournaments with Ed. Joyce and Ed were avid bicyclists and rode many trails throughout eastern North America from Prince Edward Island to Florida.

Joyce was a true partner in her marital relationship with Ed and she insisted that decisions be made jointly. Gone were the days when the “husband ruled the roost” or the “wife wore the pants.” Joyce’s upbringing fostered the ideal of frugality. She learned to sew and was able to make clothes for the whole family.

Joyce and Ed were members of St. James Evangelical Lutheran Church, Coopersburg. There, Joyce served several years on the church council, served many years as chairperson of the nursery school, and was a long tenured choir member. Joyce possessed a beautiful soprano voice and sang occasional solos as well.

Survivors: Husband; sons, Jon A. Zinn of Quakertown and Jay S. Zinn of Allentown; brother, William A. Dehoff and his wife Robin of Red Lion, PA; half-sister, Arlita Sharp of York; nephew, Allen Dehoff and his companion Kelly Bowman.

Services: A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, September 17th in the St. James Lutheran Church, 333 East Oxford Street, Coopersburg. Friends and family may call from 9:00 – 10:30 A.M. in the church. Interment will be in the Woodland Cemetery, Coopersburg. Arrangements by Stephens Funeral Home, Inc., Allentown. www.stephensfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to St. James Lutheran Church, 333 East Oxford St., Coopersburg, PA.