Joyce Ann HizerNEWARK: Joy Hizer, 56, of Newark, Ohio passed away in her home on January 2nd, 2017 after fighting her battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Robert and Margaret Lenarz and Arby and Alice Hizer, father, Arby Hizer, sister, Donna Hizer, and two lifelong friends, Alan Wells and Sue Hall. She is survived by her mother, Hazel Hizer, sister, Kathy Bretz (Walt), children, Denny Kerns Jr. (Syrena McIntyre) and Renae Hersman, grandson Dennis Kerns III, and beloved, Sorin (Soso) Tudor. As well as many close family members and very dear friends; including those she made around the world.Joy was born on April 21st, 1960. She is a Newark High School graduate (1978), and a former employee of Licking Memorial Hospital and Newark City Schools. She also was a dedicated homemaker and child care provider; impacting several children's lives throughout and into adulthood. She is a former girl scout troop leader and freelance art teacher.Joy was a lifelong artist whose artwork has inspired many people in countries all around the world. She loved to travel as often as she could and made many beloved friends in her travels and through her art. Her work was most recently on display at the Davis-Shai House in Heath, Ohio.Joy will be remembered for her love of life and her contagious smile. She touched everyone who knew her in such a beautiful way that her spirit will travel further than her footsteps. She had an extraordinarily close bond with her family and found the greatest joy in finally becoming a grandmother.A tribute to Joy's life will be held at the Brucker and Kishler Funeral Home, 985 N. 21st, Newark, Ohio on Friday January 6th, 2017. A gathering of family and friends will be held from 4pm-6pm with a service following at 6pm. Memorial contributions can be made at the funeral home or the family's gofundme account ( gofundme.com/tribute-to-joy-hizers-life). Any additional proceeds in donations will go to charity in Joy's name. To sign an online guestbook, please visit www.brucker-kishlerfuneralhome.com.