Joyce Mae Gustafson

Joyce Mae (Hudson) Gustafson, 94, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed peacefully from this life to the next on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Joyce is survived and deeply loved by her daughter Yvonne and daughter‑in‑law Mary; nieces Deborah and Linda; her grandchildren Missy (Michael), Angel, Tara (Todd), Brian (Tonya), Tiffany (Andre), and Anthony (Brooke); and her great‑grandchildren Cameron (Taylor), Michael Jr. (Sarah), Brennan (Tori), MaKayla (Mikie), Alexis (Zachary), Matthew (Kaley), Mitchell (Kayla), Zachary (Kenzie), Kelly, Kyalie, and Christian. She is also survived by her brother Ray Hudson Sr. (Liz); great‑nephews Chad (Kathleen) and Todd; and several great‑great‑grandchildren.

Joyce was known most for her unwavering love of family, her spunky personality, her warm smile, and her willingness to lend a helping hand. Her faith in God guided her throughout her life, and she attended Evangel for many years and later Little Flock Church, where she found fellowship and strength.

A hard worker with an entrepreneurial spirit, Joyce created coffee carts, birthday savings clubs, and ride‑share arrangements long before such things were common. She held numerous factory and retail positions and retired from Philip Morris in 1993. Never one to sit still, she later worked at Sam’s Club, where she became a familiar and friendly face, handing out samples and greeting visitors with genuine warmth.

Joyce and her late husband Bob shared a love of travel and adventure. From their first van camper to a travel trailer, RV, and eventually a 5th wheel, they explored the country together—always bringing along family and friends. Their camping trips were legendary, often forming a square of multiple families around a central cook tent where meals and sweet treats (notably rice krispie treats, banana pudding, and blackberry cobbler) were prepared to be enjoyed by all. In retirement, Joyce and Bob spent several winters in Harlingen, Texas, where they found a community of friends and lots of sunshine.

Joyce especially cherished the large holiday gatherings she and her sisters hosted, where the kids were lovingly “sent to the basement” to play while the many adults filled the home with laughter and conversation. She and Bob also took great pride in tackling home projects together, whether at their Dover Road home or their home in Lebanon Junction.

Born on March 5, 1932, in Cromwell, Kentucky, Joyce was the daughter of the late Floy and Everette Hudson. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 55 years, Robert “Bob” Gustafson; her children, Dale and Robin; her siblings, Earna Lee, Verna, and Violet; and her nephew, Johnnie.

Joyce leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, faith, and devotion to family. Her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.

Public visitation is from 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, May 31, 2026 at Newcomers Funeral Home,10304 Dixie Highway in Louisville, KY 40272 with a private family viewing beginning at 1:00 pm. Funeral service will be the following day, Monday, June 1, at 10:30 am at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals and Receptions - Southwest Louisville Chapel

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to Kosair Charities or St. Jude’s.