Joyce Stocker

Joyce S. Stocker 94, of Harding, Pennsylvania, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, in Wesley Village Nursing and Rehabilitation, Pittston.

Joyce was born in West Wyoming to the late Donald and Elizabeth (Gardner) Saunders. She graduated from West Wyoming high school in 1949. She earned a bachelor's degree at Misericordia College (now University) in Dallas, Pennsylvania in 1953 for music teaching and supervising, and the teaching of English. She later received a master's degree equivalency diploma through the Pennsylvania Department of Education in 1991.

Joyce taught at the West Pittston School District in West Pittston, Pennsylvania, from 1953 to 1960 as a music and language teacher, she then was employed by the Wyoming Area School District in Exeter, where she taught music and choral and English composition between 1970 and 1993. She was a state consultant for National History Day for several years and taught the History Day Students how to prepare for presentations. She also taught private music lessons to several students.

Joyce married the love of her life, Robert Stocker, whom she met while playing the organ for the Water Street Baptist Church in Pittston. They wed in 1953 and were married for 59 years. Together they raised three daughters and took considerable pride in their accomplishments.

Joyce was the choir director and organist for the Wyoming United Methodist Church for 63 years. She was involved with several church committees: Administrative Council, Committee on Lay Leadership, Communion Steward, and Chair of the Worship Committee. She was also a member of the Wyoming Conference Scholarship Committee.

Joyce is preceded in death by her beloved husband Robert Stocker, and siblings, Donald Saunders, Barbara Welliver, and Sandra Keator.

Joyce is survived by her children, Desiree (Ray) Stackhouse of Athens; Rebecca (Alan) Genelow of Wapwallopen; Joyce (James) Scrobola of Wyoming; siblings, Rita Finn of Colorado Springs, CO; Cheryl Cavaleri of Trucksville, PA; Karen (Paul) Henry of Beach Lake, PA; and Dawn (Gary) Moyer of Mountaintop, PA. She dearly loved her grandchildren: Shannon (Caleb) Anderson; Erin (Josh) Wolinsky; Anastasia (Jeffrey) Mowery; Angelina (David) Peters; Alexandria (Daniel) Tomko; James (Olga) Scrobola; Johnathan Scrobola (& Veronica Evans); Zachary (Victoria) Scrobola, and Grace Scrobola. As well as her great grandchildren: Charlotte & Parker Anderson; Chloe & Eli Mowery; Leroy Peters; Mia, Daniel, and Olivia Tomko; and Noah and Emma Scrobola. And a special adopted daughter Marie Scoble. She will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, & special family friends.

The family of Joyce Stocker wish to extend much gratitude and thanksgiving to ALL the staff of Wesley Village Nursing & Rehab Center. From her multiple stays there at Rehab, Assisted Living & Palliative care, Joyce was cared for with the utmost respect and dignity. The family wishes they could name everyone who cared for Joyce, but it would include EVERY staff member employed at the facility.

This obituary would be incomplete without acknowledging Joyce, James & Grace Scrobola for all the care and extra love they gave our mother over the past several years. Their perseverance in always keeping her safe & secure lead to her long life.

The Celebration of Life for Joyce will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, with the viewing 9:00 AM-11:00 AM & funeral service to follow at 11:00 AM at the Wyoming United Methodist Church, 376 Wyoming Ave, Wyoming, PA 18644. A committal service will be held at the graveside at the Mount Zion Cemetery, in Exeter Township, PA.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in Joyce's name to United Methodist Homes Wesley Village Campus, c/o the Chaplain’s Fund, 209 Robert’s Road, Pittston, PA 18640, donations made to the Chaplain’s Fund will be used toward music ministry at the Wesley Campus. Donations may also be made to the Wyoming United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are entrusted to Metcalfe Shaver Kopcza Funeral Home, Inc., 504 Wyoming Ave., Wyoming, PA 18644.

The funeral service will live streamed for those who cannot attend in person.