Joyce M. Barnwell, 81, of Peoria, passed away at 12:25 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at Manor Court at Liberty Village in Peoria.
Joyce was born on May 19, 1928 in Cloquet, MN, a daughter of Daniel and Louise (Dunnum) Fish. They preceded her in death, along with two brothers, two sisters and one son, David Baker.
She is survived by her daughters, Deana Barnes of Creve Coeur and Cheryl (Walt) Emmer of Wyoming; sons, Gary (Patricia) Baker of Edlestein and Brad Barnwell of Pontiac; one son, that she adopted out; sister, Barbara Fish of Washington; brother, Dale Fish of Saginaw, MN; grandchildren, Adam, Gyasi, Isadora, Stephanie, Shawn, Tracey, Terresa, Scott, Andrew and Sherri; and many great grandchildren.
In 1947, Joyce graduated from the Maplewood Academy in Hutchinson, MN. After moving to Peoria, she was an assembler for Foster and Gallagher.
She later earned her associates degree as a surgical tech from Methodist Medical Center in Peoria and was employed there until her retirement in 1990. After retirement, she enjoyed volunteering and singing at Peoria area senior homes.
Joyce enjoyed reading, gardening, collecting dolls and listening to Country and Easy Listening music. She enjoyed vacationing to Minnesota every year, going to parks and sitting in the swing on her front porch.
She always loved getting together with her family, especially going shopping with her daughters. She took great pride in raising her family and in working hard, so she was able to purchase a home.
Her children are proud of her for the job she did as a single mother and for finishing her education, so she could provide a better life for her family. She will be remembered for keeping herself fit and prim and for being a hard working woman, who set goals and reached them and for never giving up.
Joyce was a member of the Peoria Seventh Day Adventist Church, where funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2009, with Elders Dale Pittenger and William Wyatt officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to services at the church. Cremation rites will be accorded following services.
Memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to Hospice Compassus in Peoria or to the Peoria Seventh Day Adventist Church.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home in Peoria.
This is some of what I remember about my mom. I remember that my mom said she was most happy when my (now deceased ) brother David said he had a very happy childhood. To her, that meant she did a good job of raising her children and that was something to be proud of. I also remember my happy childhood (thank you mom). I remember how hard she worked by herself to raise our family as a single mother. I remember her ironing other peoples clothes and other odd jobs to bring in money. I remember existing on government commodities before food stamps. I remember growing up in the projects (Warner Homes) during the 60s and 70s. Although it was hard times for the family, mom made sure we had food on the table and were happy. I remember her making every Christmas special. I remember mom going to school at Midstate collage for her associates and then surgical training at Methodist Hospital. Working, going to school to provide a better life for her family; you must know that wasn’t easy . Mom never gave up or gave in when times were hard. She gave our family a fine example of how to live our lives.
I can’t express in words how much my mom meant to me, she guided me though a lot of tough times in my life. She was always there to bail me out figuratively and literally. Thank you God, thank you for giving me such a loving mother. I will always miss my mom, but especially at the family Christmases, which were very special to us all. Christmas will never be the same to us ever again.
Your loving son, Gary.
