Joyce M. (Hilfiger) Garrison, age 95, of Wellsboro, PA, passed peacefully at the Laurels Personal Care Home in Wellsboro, PA, on Monday, May 25, 2026. She was born on Saturday, January 3, 1931, in Covington, PA, a daughter of the late Carlton and Gertrude (Soper) Hilfiger. Joyce was married to her beloved husband Lewis M. Garrison who passed away in 1989.
She graduated from the Del Kader French School of Beauty Culture and Mansfield State Teachers College (now called Commonwealth University-Mansfield) with a masters degree in elementary education. Joy would go on to teach for 25 years at the Wellsboro Area School District.
Joy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro, Hospital Auxiliary, Shared Home Board, PSEA, and the Wednesday Morning Musicals. She enjoyed spending time at her Seneca Lake Cottage, collecting antiques, her gardens, cooking, cleaning her house, family gatherings and doing things for others.
She is survived by son: Alan (Jenny) Garrison of Wellsboro, PA, daughter: Brenda (Don) Abplanalp of Wellsboro, PA, brother: George (Betty) Hilfiger of Covington, PA, sisters-in-law: Meda Hilfiger of Covington, PA, Anne Garrison Calkins of Mansfield, PA, beloved grandchildren: Carrie (Tim) Bradley, Jason (Whitney) Abplanalp, Alyssa (Bryce) Anderson, Marina (Zach Herzog) Garrison, four great granddaughters and two great grandsons. She was predeceased by two brothers: Lewis Hilfiger and John Hilfiger.
A visitation will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the First Baptist Church of Wellsboro. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 PM with Pastor Chris Osterbrock officiating. Interment will be in the Tioga County Memorial Gardens, Mansfield, PA. Arrangements are entrusted to the Carleton Funeral Home, Inc. www.carletonfh.com Wellsboro, PA.
