Audrey Joan Lamberson

DOVER - Audrey Joan Lamberson, age 85, passed away peacefully on December 4, 2025, surrounded by loved ones.

Joan was born on July 21, 1940, at the family farm in Harrisonville, PA, the daughter of Merrill Lee Bard and Edna Arvilla (Decker) Bard. She graduated from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 1962 with a Bachelor's degree in Home Economics. She devoted her entire 37-year career to Penn State University as the York County Extension Agent, where she touched countless lives through education, outreach, and her passion for helping families and communities thrive.

Joan was known for her kindness, generosity, and warm, steady spirit. She loved cooking, sewing, knitting, and sharing her skills with others. Her joy in creating things by hand naturally led her to serve in many community groups. Joan started Stitches of Love at Dover Bethany and for many years she contributed countless handmade items for those in need. She enjoyed the fellowship and fun of the Red Hat Society, and volunteered generously with New Hope Ministries and Mission Central, living out her belief in helping others through both action and compassion.

Those who knew Joan will always remember her gentle nature, her thoughtful presence, and the way she quietly made the world around her better through her time, talents, and love.

Joan is survived by her son, Derwin (Lisa) Lamberson of Painted Post, NY; her daughter, Jana (Flint) Zeigler of Dover, PA; and her beloved grandchildren, Scarlet Zeigler, Ella Lamberson, and Adler Lamberson. She is also survived by her sisters, Donna Gordon of Needmore, PA, and Patsy Hutchinson of Indianapolis, IN. She was preceded in death by her husband, H. James Lamberson; her sister, Normalee Anderson; and her brother, Richard Bard.

Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend the viewing from 10 to 11 a.m. and the funeral service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025 at Emig Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Inc., 47 N. Queen St., Dover, PA. Officiating will be the Rev. Bonnie Whittier, pastor of Christ U.C.C. in Jefferson.  Following cremation, interment will be private in Sideling Hill Christian Church Cemetery in Fulton County, PA.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to New Hope Ministries, a cause close to Joan's heart.  Donations may be mailed to New Hope Ministries, P.O. Box 448, Dillsburg PA 17019.

Joan—"Mom" to those who loved her most—will be deeply missed, and her memory will be cherished always.

To share memories of Joan and condolences with her family, please visit www.emigfuneralhome.com

New Hope Ministries
P.O. Box 448, Dillsburg PA 17019
Web: http://nhm-pa.org

Reference the Dover Center