Joyce Ann Jessup

Joyce Ann Jessup, age 89, of Liberty Borough, PA, passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 21, 2026.

Joyce was born on October 25, 1936, to the late Thomas and Elizabeth Kostkas. She grew up to become a woman of remarkable perseverance and curiosity. She took engineering courses at Penn State and the University of Pittsburgh and built a career that took her through some of the region's most storied institutions, including Westinghouse, the Irvin Works steel mill, the University of Pittsburgh department of cancer research, and the Ebara Corporation.

In addition to her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Jessup, with whom she shared 57 years of happy marriage; and her brother, Thomas Kostkas.

Joyce is survived by her son, David Miller, of Sandersville, GA; her daughter, Alexis Bricker, of Liberty Boro, PA; her brother, Robert Kost; her grandchildren, Christopher (Athena) Brown and Kara (Mitchell Wilston) Brown; and her beloved great-granddaughters, Cecilia Brown, who holds the honor of being Joyce's first great-grandchild, and Avery Joy Wilston, whose middle name is a lasting tribute to the joy Joyce brought to everyone around her.

Joyce had a soft spot for big dogs and little candies, a combination that told you just about everything you needed to know about her. She loved gardening and riding her bike on the Great Allegheny Passage.

We mourn the passing of her time on earth, but we rejoice that she is reunited with George and those who went before her, and that her spirit is finally at rest in the arms of her Lord.

Graveside services, officiated by Pastor Peter J. Giacalone, were held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at Richland Cemetery. Burial Arrangements were cared for by Strifflers of White Oak Cremation and Mortuary Services, Inc., 1100 Lincoln Way, White Oak, PA 15131 (Sue Striffler Galaski, supervisor, 412-678-6177).

To share a memory or condolence, please visit www.strifflerfuneralhomes.com