Obituary

Joyce E. Gatwood
July 14, 1935 – September 5, 2024
Obituary of Joyce E. Gatwood
IN THE CARE OF
Schoedinger Northwest
Joyce Elaine Brust Gatwood, a talented artist, former elementary school teacher, and wife and mother, passed away on September 5, 2024, at Kobacker House in Columbus, Ohio. She was preceded in death by her husband, John W. Gatwood, by her daughter, Jan Kirsten Eisner, and by her siblings Claudia (Richard) Batteiger and Philip (Cynthia) Brust.

Joyce's educational journey began at Miami University of Ohio, where she earned her B.A. in education. Later, she pursued graduate studies at the Ohio State University. Her passion for teaching led her to a career as an elementary school teacher, where she inspired countless children. She also volunteered in an adult literacy program and tutored children with learning disabilities.

Joyce’s creative life included a number of hobbies. She enjoyed reading, playing the piano and clarinet, sewing, and gardening. She was a talented artist primarily in watercolor and pastel. She especially enjoyed portraying animal subjects and was adept at the difficult task of capturing the subtlety of feathers and fur. Gifted, she participated in numerous art shows in the Central Ohio area and promoted art in Grove City as a volunteer for Arts in the Alley.

Joyce married John Gatwood on August 24, 1957. For many years they lived in the country and were long term members of Grove City United Methodist Church. Joyce enjoyed volunteering at the Gardens at Gantz where she gave classes about herbs. She and her husband volunteered during the Son of Heaven and Ameriflora exhibits. Later in life, John and Joyce lived at Friendship Village of Dublin where they had many friends.

She is survived by daughter Jean Binkovitz (Larry Binkovitz), and son Jeffrey Gatwood (Stephen George) and son-in-law James Eisner. Her legacy extends to her six grandchildren, Eli Binkovitz, Isaac (Sigalit) Binkovitz, Leah (Phillip) Pyle, and Anna (Ayoola Okuribido) Binkovitz, Nathan Eisner, Eric Eisner, and six great-grandchildren, Sadie and Cora Pyle and Elinoa, Nava, Ma’ayan, and Ari Binkovitz. Two additional great-grandchildren are expected this fall.

She grew up in Kettering Ohio where she was a tomboy who enjoyed chasing off bullies. Her first job was delivering the Dayton Daily News until told that girls could not have paper routes (Joyce begged to differ). Her favorite saying was her grandmother’s quote, “It’s not my beauty but my elegant style.”