Joye J. Hamblen

Joye J. Hamblen, 84, died on Saturday, April 22, 2023 at home while under the care of Hospice of Citrus County surrounded by her loving family. She was born into this life on December 13, 1938 in Binghamton, NY and was the daughter to the late Ronald Frank Updyke and Ethal Vivian Hiakley. Joye was raised in New York and after high school she attended Broome Technical Institute where she received her dental hygienist degree. Joye worked in Dunnellon with two local dentists,  Dr. Paramore and with Dr. Walker.  Joye's late husband Earl moved to Ocala in 1963 where he owned and operated Hamblen Construction. They were married on July 3, 1977. Earl built her dream home 45 years ago.  As Joye’s love grew for the dental profession, she became a professor and director of the Dental Hygiene program at Macon State College, and then Central Georgia Technical College. They had a home in Roberta, Ga and commuted until her retirement.  Joye dedicated her love to the Lord with First Baptist Church in Crystal River teaching Sunday school and volunteering wherever they needed her. Joye had many hobbies she enjoyed doing such as sewing, quilting, crafting, traveling, pottery and most of all, spending time with her family and being the best Grandma ever.

She is preceded in death by her husband Earl and her sister, Ronna Salanski.

Those left to cherish Joye’s memory are her sons, William Lown and David Hamblen; her daughters, Tracy Farthing and Anne Hamblen; her five grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions can be made in Joye’s memory to Vitas Hospice in Lecanto, FL.

Funeral Services will be held on Monday, May 1, 2023 at 10:30 at First Baptist Church of Crystal River, FL. The visitation will be held one hour prior to service time at the church. Following the Funeral Service the church will have a reception until 12:30 and then will proceed to Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell for a 2:00 PM Committal Service.