Joy S. Benjamin

Joy Eileen (Sly) Benjamin, age 99, of Upper Arlington, Ohio, passed away peacefully on August 26, 2023, with her family by her side. Born on August 31, 1923, in Zanesville, Ohio, Joy lived a full and amazing life, passing away just five days before her 100th birthday. Joy, her parents and her sister endured a hard, but loving, life during the Great Depression. The lessons she learned during the Depression helped to later shape her life of love, family, sacrifice, generosity and hard work. Joy was a graduate of Lash High School, in Zanesville, and Meredith Business College, and worked as a bookkeeper.

In 1949, Joy married Robert V. Benjamin, and resided in Marietta, Ohio, before moving to Upper Arlington, Ohio, in 1959. After marriage, Joy devoted herself to her family and friends. She was Grandma B to everyone and was forever proud of her sons, her grandchildren and her great-grandchildren, and was always there to support them. Her family stories, amazing cooking, humor, and effortless way of making everyone feel taken care of and comfortable will be missed dearly.

Joy is survived by two sons, six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one nephew: son, Brad J. Benjamin, of Wheeling, West Virginia, granddaughter, Brittany F. (Tyler) Whaley, of Ashland, Kentucky, and two great-granddaughters, Emme and Lyla Whaley; son, Brent D. Benjamin, of Charleston, West Virginia, grandchildren, Paul D. Benjamin, of Columbus, Mary E. (Christopher) Gardner, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Laura L. (James) Dantzler, of Phoenix, Arizona, Amanda P. (Benjamin) Kerchner, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, Evan S. Benjamin, of Charleston, West Virginia, and great-grandchildren, Lilly and Emily Gardner, Anna and James Edwin Dantzler, and Patrick and Daniel Kerchner; and nephew, Tom J. Holler, of Zanesville, Ohio. Her toughness, determination, and willpower will continue to live on, especially in her Great-Grandchildren.

Joy was preceded in death by her husband, Robert V. Benjamin; her parents, Harry C. and Gladys B. (Hanes) Sly; and sister and brother-in-law, Sue A. (Sly) and Paul J. Holler.

Joy is also survived by her beloved dog, Archie, who misses her.

Joy loved sports, particularly Cincinnati Reds baseball and Ohio State football, Christmas and family holidays, Fourth of July fireworks, and traveling. She was also known to enjoy Skyline Chili, Tommy’s Pizza and White Castle. Joy attended First Community Church, in Grandview, Ohio, and enjoyed various televised Sunday morning services when she was no longer able to attend church in person.

The family wishes to extend its thanks to the wonderful life care which Joy received from her family physician, J. Kevin Moffa, M.D., and the staff and physicians at Riverside Methodist Hospital, in Columbus. The family also appreciates the many prayers and notes of condolences from friends. Joy preferred a private family graveside service, with a celebration of life to occur later. Interment will be at Memorial Park Cemetery, in Zanesville, Ohio with Rev. Garry Moore presiding. Online condolences and memories can be made at www.schoedinger.com.