Joy Crayton Benson, a longtime resident of Poughkeepsie, died peacefully on January 26, 2017, at Vassar Brothers Hospital following a brief and unexpected illness. She was 76.

Joy married James A. Benson in 1971, enjoying 45 years of love and friendship until his death one year ago.

Born December 14, 1940, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to the Rev. Dr. Alfred and Mrs. Gertrude Crayton, Joy graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College in 1962 and began a long and successful teaching career. She taught the second grade at Marlboro Elementary School for many years until her retirement, and is remembered fondly by countless area residents whose lives she touched.

Joy found great enjoyment throughout her life in being active and particularly loved tennis, golf and skiing. Most of all, she looked forward to spending every summer at Lake Waynewood in the Poconos, where her family has had a cottage since 1928 and where Joy had many long-lasting and special friendships. Joy was a longtime, active member of Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church. Her many friends will remember her kindness and sense of humor.

Joy leaves behind devoted son Devon and girlfriend Chelsea of Rochester, New York, and grandchildren Scarlett and William; twin sister Carol Dimock and husband Dave of Mount Airy, Maryland, and their children Tamara and Glen; brother Frank Crayton and wife Linda of Berwick, Pennsylvania and their children Derek and Dana; and brother Roger Crayton and companion Barbara of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Also surviving are niece Heidi Colaizzo of Hyde Park; nephew Mark Bickel of Fort Myers, Florida; sister-in-law Elizabeth Cusumano and husband Dom and their children Dominick and Joan, all of Floral Park; as well as several grandnephews and grandnieces.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2017, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church, followed by a funeral service at the church at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Adrienne Brewington officiating. Interment will follow at Abington Hills Cemetery, Clarks Summit, Pennsylvania.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Lake Waynewood Association, c/o Treasurer Dan Born, 13301 Shannon Dell Drive, Audubon, PA 19403; or to Poughkeepsie United Methodist Church.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Wm. G. Miller & Son F.H., Inc., 371 Hooker Avenue, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www.wmgmillerfuneralhome.com

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