Joyce Miller Rector-Hayes, 81, passed away peacefully at residence Wednesday, August 27, 2025. Born in Greenville, and was preceded in death by her father, James Wilbur (Dake) Miller, mother, Cola Mae Paris Miller and sister, Ella Mae Steinbrinck. She is survived by her husband Steven Hayes and brothers-in-law Ray Steinbrinck, Andrew Rector, James Rector and numerous cousins.
Joyce grew up on a small farm in Greenville and graduated from Muhlenberg Central High School. She earned her BS degree from the University of Alabama in Engineering Economics and Math. She was a dynamic woman rising quickly in a man’s world at Bell South/AT&T. Joyce had many accomplishments, two of which she was most proud. Joyce had the first one-million-dollar project in Bell South history, taking fiber communications into the Medical College of Georgia where it was used for telemedicine in rural Georgia. From Augusta, she was called back to Atlanta to lead the PLRMS/WPG project for Intergraph and Bellsouth, a project developing digitalization of engineering drawings, ushering engineers into the digital age (Mind you this was in the late 80’s and early 90’s.) Joyce then traveled worldwide promoting their product. After retiring from Bellsouth, she made Frankfort her home as CEO of PlanGraphics, an international geographic information consulting firm.
Joyce was also involved in numerous professional organizations of which she was often Chairman—usually the only female Chair they had ever had. Joyce was forthright with clear thinking backed by research, and her integrity was beyond reproach. She was a woman who excelled among men and women, often taking their jobs.
Joyce had a heart for others. She was deeply involved in Faith Lutheran Church serving on the church council and many committees. She was chair of the Mission Endowment Trust for several years and worked tirelessly to grow the endowment. Joyce has also been involved in the community since arriving in Frankfort—Past president of the Chamber of Commerce and a board member of the Y for several years.
Services will be held at Faith Lutheran Church 1000 Tates Creek Road, Lexington, Ky. Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with private interment at Frankfort Cemetery. A Celebration of life will be held at the Frankfort Country Club, Friday, September 12, 2025, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Mission Endowment Trust Fund, Faith Lutheran Church or to the Y (YMCA).
Arrangements are under the direction of Harrod Brothers Funeral Home & Crematory. Condolences may be shared via the online guestbook at www.harrodbrothers.com
