Joyce Cox Williams

Joyce Cox Williams, lyric soprano, conductor, and Owensboro native, passed away after an extended illness August 23, 2016, in Fredericksburg, VA, where she had moved in 2005 to be with her daughter.

Born March 3, 1936, in Owensboro, Kentucky, Ms. Williams graduated from Owensboro High School in 1954. She performed many benefit concerts and recitals locally as well as presenting the Saturday Musical. She moved to Reno in 1960 after receiving her degree in vocal music from Indiana University. She then completed her Master's degree as one of the first students accepted in the new University Nevada Reno's vocal degree program.

As a concert soprano she appeared extensively in Reno and throughout Nevada, touring with the Nevada Lyric Arts Singers under auspices of Young Audiences of Northern Nevada, and for The Nevada Humanities Committee during the 1976 U. S. Bicentennial. For Nevada Day of the Bicentennial Parade of American Music in Washington, D.C., she performed representing the state on the stage of Kennedy Center Concert Hall.

Also a violinist and conductor, she early initiated a successful program of orchestral music through St. John's Presbyterian Church in Reno. The still performing orchestra, the Reno Pops, quickly expanded under her direction presenting regular public concerts as well as more than a decade of outstanding Community Messiah Sing-Alongs.

She is survived by daughter Angela Williams-Tasky of Fredericksburg, Virginia, and sister Margaret Ann Pappas of Owensboro, as well niece and nephew Kate and John Pappas, two great nieces, one great nephew, and numerous cousins. She was proceeded in death by her parents, Ben and Roy Cox and nephew Ben Pappas.

The viewing is planned to be held from 4:00-8:00 P.M. Friday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory followed by a private graveside service Saturday morning at Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to Eaton Memorial Baptist Church's Boiler Fund, c/o Eaton Memorial, 1225 W. 3rd. St., Owensboro, KY 42301. Condolences to the family may be placed at www.glennfuneralhome.com.