Joyce Thomas Obituary
March 9, 1942 - December 5, 2024 (age 82)

Joyce was born in Mt. Olive, IL where she graduated high school in 1960. She attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She taught at various schools throughout her life, including Woodriver, Mt. Olive, and Gillespie. In 1973, she married James Thomas. 

Joyce was devoted to her family, friends, church and community.  She loved playing Skipbo with her grandkids and pinochle with family and friends. Puzzles were also a favorite pastime. She was an avid reader and served on the Mt. Olive Library Board for several years. She also volunteered at the Mt. Olive food pantry and could often be seen making deliveries for Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Jim; three daughters: Sarah (Bob) Hahn, Teresa (Jake) Price and Patricia (Patrick) Zillen; a brother, Ron (Christy) Yurkovich; a sister, Barbara (Bill) Rhodes; grandchildren Quintin Zillen, Emma and Alex Hahn, and Zoe and Cooper Price.

Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 10th at St. John Paul II Catholic Church in Mt. Olive.  Visitation will be from 10-11am with the service immediately following. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery in Mt. Olive. Instead of flowers, the family suggests that memorials may be made to the Mt. Olive Public Library and the Mt. Olive Care Center/Food Pantry.