Resident of the Month

Celebrating the Lives, Friendships, and Stories That Make Wildcat Shine – May 2025

At Wildcat Senior Living, the heart of our community lies in the remarkable stories, shared laughter, and enduring friendships that fill our days with purpose and joy. This month, we’re honored to celebrate two inspiring women who embody the spirit of Wildcat through their compassion, resilience, and radiant companionship. Meet Joyce Johnson and Lucy Gastle—roommates, friends, and treasured members of our Wildcat family.

Joyce Johnson: A Heart Rooted in Family, Faith, and Adventure

Born in January 1938 in Gaffney, South Carolina, Joyce Johnson grew up on a cotton farm, surrounded by open fields and the closeness of family life. A proud “mama’s girl,” she was raised with strong values that shaped her nurturing and faithful spirit.

Joyce’s life was one of travel and service, shaped by her marriage to James, a Navy man she met through her brother in 1956. The couple wed just one day after reconnecting and soon began a journey that would take them from Charleston to the Great Lakes, Long Beach, and even as far as Japan—Joyce’s favorite place she’s ever lived.

Wherever life took them, Joyce created a warm and loving home. She raised two children—James Jr. and her daughter (who proudly shares this story)—and is the devoted grandmother of two grandsons: Andrew, a Clemson graduate, and Owen, who is currently attending Clemson University.

Professionally, Joyce dedicated her career to caring for children, serving as a teacher to a class of two-year-olds on a military base. Her natural patience, warmth, and love for little ones made her a treasured caregiver. A faithful woman, she found joy in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School and was a loyal “band mom,” traveling far and wide to support her children.

Now, in her well-earned retirement, Joyce enjoys reading, crocheting beautiful blankets, watching old westerns, and indulging in the simple pleasures of life—like a good cup of coffee and a handful of M&Ms. Her warmth and wisdom light up Wildcat, and her stories continue to inspire everyone around her.

Lucy Gastle: Living a Life of Service, Style, and Connection

Lucy Gastle’s journey began in November 1934 in Buffalo, New York, where she grew up skating, crafting, and discovering a love for community at Bishop McMahan Catholic School. She later married Richard Gastle, a devoted police officer, and together they built a loving home for their six children.

In 1973, Lucy opened “Lucy’s,” her own hair salon on Genesee Street in Buffalo. It became a community staple—not just for great hairstyles, but for the kindness and joy she offered every client. After retirement, Lucy carried her commitment to service into volunteering, dedicating time to a senior facility in Bemus Point and later at Summerville Medical Center in South Carolina, where she earned Volunteer of the Year—twice!

Lucy is also a writer, a lifelong pen-pal (with a friend in Australia for over 25 years!), a phenomenal cook, and a member of Blessed Savior Lutheran Church. She now calls Wildcat home and is beloved for her warm heart, infectious laughter, and love of crossword puzzles—and pizza!

Roommates, Friends, and Kindred Spirits

Though their paths began in different places—Joyce in rural South Carolina and Lucy in bustling Buffalo—their journeys have intersected in a beautiful friendship here at Wildcat. As roommates, they’ve formed a deep, joyful bond built on mutual respect, shared stories, and the kind of laughter that fills a room.

Whether they’re reminiscing about their life adventures, enjoying community events, or just sipping coffee and chatting about books or old westerns, Joyce and Lucy remind us that true friendship can begin at any stage of life.

Thank you, Joyce and Lucy, for your light, your stories, and the joy you bring to everyone around you. You truly make Wildcat shine—and we’re proud to celebrate you this May and always.