Joshua “Jolyne” J. Lapham – 28 – of 6 Apple St., Arkport, died unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon (August 12, 2020) at home.

She was born in Hornell, NY on May 6, 1992, and began her journey of coming out as a transwoman on June 24, 2020.

Jolyne grew up in Jasper and was a graduate of Jasper-Troupsburg Central School  (class of 2010).   She then graduated from Corning Community College with her Associates degree and later from Alfred University with a Bachelor’s Degree, evidence of her dedication to the scientific world.

As a lover of knowledge, learning, and the intellectual world, the only thing that gave her greater pleasure than studying a textbook, was spending every second possible with her children. When not studying and parenting, you could find her surrounded by her plants or off doing one of her newest scientific experiments.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandfather, Gilmore Creelman; and paternal grandparents, Leslie  & Dolores Lapham.

Jolyne married on May 2, 2014 to Lori Blake, whom is still surviving.  Also surviving are her 3 beautiful children that embody her best qualities: Emma, Lincoln & Julianna; her mother, Carol Lapham of Jasper; her father, James Lapham of Jasper; 2 brothers, Kevin Lapham and Justin Lapham, both of Jasper; maternal grandmother, Marcia Creelman of Jasper; along with many close aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews.

At Jolyne’s request there will be no calling hours.  A “Celebration of Life” will be held at a later date.

Funeral arrangements are in care of the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY.

Jolyne’s family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in her name be made to the National Black Justice Coalition, Post Office Box 71395 Washington,  DC  20024, mightycause.com/organization/nbjc