Ballykelly crash victim whose 'life was full right to the end' laid to rest

The funeral has taken place of a pensioner who died following a two vehicle crash in County Derry last week.

Joyce Taggart, who was from the Ballykelly area, passed away after her car was involved in a collision with a bus on the Clooney Road on Thursday afternoon.

The 84 year-old mother-of-two was laid to rest this afternoon (Sunday) following a service in Ballykelly Presbyterian Church.

Minister Rev Phil Houston said it was 'amazing that a little woman like Joyce could have so many here today' to pay their respects.

A native of Derry city and the eldest of six children, Joyce attended Carlisle Road Primary School as a child.

While working as a seamstress in a local shirt factory, Joyce met her late husband Joe.

“One day she missed her bus and Joe Taggart gave her a ride home on the back of his motorbike and that's where the romance started,” the minister told the congregation.

The couple married in 1960 in Ballyarnett Presbyterian Church and went on to have a son and daughter.

Minister Houston said it was 'unfair' that the devoted grandmother and great-grandmother's life had been cut short.

“Joyce's life was cut short much too abruptly,” he said, continuing: “somehow at 84 years-old she still seemed in her prime. With her active body and mind, she was younger than a lot of us. It feels unfair, unnatural and so very difficult for you and for others that were caught up in what happened on Thursday, yet she was spared some of the difficulties of ageing that some others have to endure. Her life was full right to the end. Processing what has happened is difficult. Taking the time to add to this tribute by telling stories and sharing memories over refreshments today and in the days and weeks ahead will help that process.”

Joyce was renowned for her dressmaking and baking skills and loved singing.

“Her dressmaking skills were unmistakable and if anyone in the family was getting married, Joyce made all the bridesmaid dresses,” said Minister Houston.

“Joyce continued to be creative with her knitting, dressmaking, cooking and baking skills and her brooches were famous from Limavady to Nepal.

“Joyce and Joe joined Ballykelly Presbyterian Church in 1979 where they soon made friends through the bowling club. Joyce joined the church choir and her love for singing progressed to Foyle Presbytery Choir, now the North West Gospel Choir.”

The minister said Joyce continued to learn new skills over the years – she learned to drive and play the piano in her fifties.

“Joyce had a full and active social life. She loved people and loved being in the company of others. She had such a warm personality, so generous with her time and affections. She will be deeply missed at the many clubs and groups she was involved with, including the lunch club here at the church that she was promoting only last Sunday, the Open Door Cafe, the WI and of course the choirs that she loved singing in so very much.

“Joyce's baking certainly wasn't the reason that we loved her but it did help She did a Saturday run with all the scones she baked. She had a God given gift of brightening people's day with her personality as well as her treats, as her neighbours will attest.”

Describing the pensioner as 'colourful and outgoing', the minister said faith also played a major role in her life.

“Joyce had many friends and each of you will have unique connections to her,” he said.

“Joyce was funny, colourful and outgoing. She loved a laugh, she was so much fun. Everyone knew how glamorous a granny she was. Her hair was always her crown.

“Joyce's faith played a major role in her life through socialising and church activities and engaging others to join them but also so much more than that.

“That love for Jesus was Joyce's defining feature. She loved him and his church. It was her spirit filled life that meant people met Joyce once and remembered her, that's why so many of you are here today. She will be deeply missed in this church family and by everyone, including her minister,” he added.