Joyce Ann Hamilton, 89, of Lafayette, IN passed away peacefully on June 23,2023 at St. Anthony’s Healthcare Center. Her loving husband, Gordon Hamilton, passed on October 29, 2022. July 13 is their 71st Anniversary and they can celebrate together again.
Joyce was born In Lafayette on February 20,1934 to the late Ralph Theodore and Grace Juanita Ross Smith. She graduated from Jefferson HS and Lafayette Business College. Joyce was very active in school organizations. Cheer Block, Phi Theta Sigma Sorority, Girl Scouts, and Camp Counselor for the
GS Camp during summers. She also followed her High School sweetheart, Gordie Hamilton to many golf matches and tournaments. This continued into their adult life.
Joyce was a secretary for Farm Bureau Insurance Regional Claims for 30+ years. She and Gordie were long time members of First Christian Church and were Elders of the church and Joyce was active with the Christian Women’s Fellowship. She also taught Sunday School classes when her children were young.
Joyce was involved in many philanthropic organizations. She was a Brownie and Girl Scout Leader for many years with her daughter and was active with her son’s Boy Scout events. She also voluntered for Home Hospital and loved rocking the preemie babies in the NICU department. She was a member of the Delta Chi Sigma Sorority in which she had leadership roles and developed many close friendships. Joyce was a Mentor for the Lafayette School Corp. at Miami Grade School and Sunnyside Intermediate for the Children in Need Program She loved working with the children and they always enjoyed being with her.
Joyce and Gordie loved following their children’s many sports and activities which later included grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They were their biggest fans.
She is survived by her daughter, Stephanie (Ed) Smith of Lafayette and her son, Doug Hamilton of Seattle, WA. Her grandchildren, Alison( Joel) Hoover of Westfield IN, Lauren(John) McKinney of Westfield, Trevor(Sierra) of Far Rockaway,NY, Taylor(Effie)Seattle,WA, Grace (Tyler) Baumgard- ner,Silverdale,WA and Erikka Smith, Fishers,IN. Great Grandchildren who loved their GIGI, Hailey and Paige Hoover, Norah and Erin McKinney, Isla Hamilton, Zoe and Tate Baumgardner and Jordyn Smith. Greatgrandbaby #8 is due in November. Also surviving is her beloved sister, Janet McMullen of Manheim, PA. They are not only sisters, but also best friends.
Our family would like to thank all of the care givers who gave her such loving care during her struggles with Alzheimers..Elara Hospice in both Lafayette and Indianapolis, Five Star Residencies, Comfort Keepers, Harcourt Memory Care Community, Indianapolis and St. Anthony’s Hospice in Lafayette.
The Family will receive friends on Friday, July, 14th at First Christian Church, 329 N. 6th St. in Lafayette. 1:00 Reception in the church parlor, 2:00 funeral service in the sanctuary. Rev. Andrew Guthrie will officiate. Burial service will follow at Tippecanoe Memory Gardens, West Lafayette, IN.
In leiu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lafayette YMCA Camp Arrowhead for scholarships so that underpriveledged children can have a camp experience.
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