With sadness and ‘joy’, we announce the homegoing of Naomi ‘Joy’ (Lawrence) Westbrook, age 89, of Edinboro, Pennsylvania, who passed away on Thursday, March 16, 2023. She was lovingly cared for by her husband and children for many years and finished her race with dignity and strength.

Joy was born on Crane Road in Edinboro, PA on September 28, 1933, the only daughter to the late Burton and Ruth Lawrence.

She was a 1951 graduate of Edinboro Normal School and 1955 graduate of Edinboro State College. Joy became an elementary school teacher and in 1958 married Allan Westbrook, a true match made in heaven. Allan deeply loved her and often called her the “wife of my youth”. They had three children and began a singing family and musical ministry that would become their legacy.

Joy was a 2nd Grade Elementary School Teacher with the Northwestern School District for over 25 years and a teacher for 30. Her caring teaching affected the lives of countless students.

Joy loved all things family, music, travel, reading, Edinboro Lake and dining out as much as possible. Two of her favorite sayings were: “The family that prays together, and plays together, stays together”; and “Only one life will soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” She fully lived these out and sought to glorify God throughout her life and bring hope to others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Dale Lawrence.

She is survived by her loving and faithful husband of almost 65 years, Allan G. Westbrook; and three devoted children: Kimberly (Douglas) Willman, daughter, of Atlanta, GA; Kristyn (Barron) Greenwalt, daughter, of Pittsburgh, PA; and Stephen (Amy) Westbrook, son, of Nashville, TN.

Her eleven grandchildren – Kaley, Kameron, Graham, Thaine, Kinsley, Sabbath, Celica, Sonnet, Summer, Esprit and Karley, were the apple of her eye and consistently received her ‘teaching’, love, affection, encouragement, and endless prayers and tears. Joy and Allan have also been blessed with 18 great-grandchildren to carry on their legacy.

Friends are invited to call on Sunday (March 19th) from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m., at Van Matre Funeral Home in Edinboro, and again on Monday (March 20th) at 10 a.m. at the Federated Church in East Springfield. A Celebration of Life Funeral service will be held on Monday at 11 a.m. at the Federated Church, with burial afterwards at Springfield Cemetery for family only.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Women’s Care Center of Erie County. When they were raising their young family, Joy and Allan fostered newborn babies awaiting adoption.