Joan (Cole) Lawless Loy

Joan Cole Lawless Loy, 80, of Columbia, Kentucky, and formerly of Somerset, departed this life on December 5, 2020.

She was born in Chicago, Illinois on September 24, 1940, to the late Sylvester and Elsie Cole.  As she was the first of her family born in a hospital, her Grandfather would exclaim upon visiting his first granddaughter, “I want to hold that $100 baby!”  But her family and friends will attest, her life was an exponential return on that investment.

Upon graduating from Adair County High School, Lindsey Wilson College, and the Kentucky Baptist School of Nursing, Joan dedicated her life, personally and professionally, to caring for those who were sick or injured.  Upon retirement from her career in the Operating Room and Recovery Room at Lake Cumberland Regional Hospital, she continued to use her nursing skills in caring for family members, for which she was in high demand. 

Faith was important to Joan.  A lifelong Baptist, she publicly professed her faith in Christ as a young girl, and demonstrated her faith and witness to her children, grandchildren, and family.  During her adult life, she was a member of Columbia Baptist and Beacon Hill Baptist Churches, where she enjoyed fellowship with the congregations there, and particularly the members of her Sunday School classes.  She also enjoyed her time in caring for the small children in the nursery.

Joan is survived by her loving and generous husband, Marshall Loy, with whom she enjoyed her last 11 years.  She spent much time traveling and visiting places with him—particularly Panama City Beach—and the occasional venture to Branson.  A favorite source of entertainment was attending gospel music concerts and conventions.    

Joan would brighten at the mention of family gatherings.  She loved hosting cookouts, September shrimp boils, and Christmas and Thanksgiving meals, although in her later years she would share the preparation with her siblings and children.  She leaves behind a son, Scott Lawless (and Melanie) from her late husband Gene, with whom she had a wonderful marriage of 46 years before his passing, and a grandson, Calder, who was her special joy.  Joan’s marriage to Marshall gave her the simultaneous blessing of two adult children, daughter Cheryl Corbin (and Barry), son Steven Loy (and Molly) with whom she had close relationships over the past eleven years.  Joan loved and is survived by granddaughters Brooke Walker, Kayla (and John) Stockton, Lindsay (and Seth) Dunbar, Nicole Loy, and grandson Spencer Loy. Her brother Nolan (and Judy) Cole, sister Linda Bea (and Ralph) Jackson, and many nieces and nephews survive her.

Joan was also preceded in death by a daughter, Deborah Jo, with whom she is now reunited, as well as her parents, and a sister, Julia. 

In accordance with the government directives during this time of pandemic, the family will conduct a private graveside service on Thursday, December 10, 2020.  Grissom-Martin Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.  Memorial contributions may be made to:  Kevin’s Kids, c/o United Citizens Bank, attn: Linda McFarland, P.O. Box 2069, Russell Springs, Kentucky, 42642.