Joyce Jones

Nancy “Joyce” Jones, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at the age of 77.

Joyce was born on July 13, 1947, in Long Beach, CA to the late Virgil and Blanche Richardson. She graduated from Arcadia High School in Arcadia, CA in 1965. She attended Pasadena City College and proudly marched in the Rose Bowl Parade in 1966.

In 1967, she moved with her parents to Honolulu, HI and attended the University of Hawaii. While attending the Young Adult Church Group at First Presbyterian Church in Honolulu, she met the love of her life, Gary. They were married in September of 1968 in Hawaii.

After Gary completed his service in the Air Force, the couple settled in Indianapolis in 1969, where they raised their beautiful family. They were longtime members of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, where they worshiped for 51 years. Joyce and Gary were devoted leaders of the Senior High Youth Group for eight years. Joyce also taught Sunday School, served as an Elder, and was an active member of the Presbyterian Women’s Association during their time at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. In her later years, she became a member of Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, where she worshiped for the past four years.

Joyce was a passionate member and past president of the Spina Bifida Association of Indiana, where she worked tirelessly as an advocate. She played a key role in organizing and running the National Spina Bifida Conference held in 1994 in Indianapolis. Additionally, she was the National Chairperson for the Spina Bifida Association of America from 2007 to 2010.

Professionally, Joyce served as Vice President of the Flexible Benefits Department at Key Benefits Administrators for 20 years, retiring in 2007.

Joyce was the heart of her family – known for her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering love. She was a devoted wife to Gary, a caring mother to Christine and Lisa, and a cherished grammie to Ryan and Kyle Pepiot. Her kindness and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.

Joyce had a special gift for making people feel welcome, and nothing brought her more joy than gathering loved ones around the table. She loved to cook for family and friends, filling her home with comforting meals, laughter, and lasting memories.

One of her greatest joys was cheering on her grandsons at their sporting events. Whether it was baseball, football, basketball, or wrestling, Joyce was always in the stands – proud, supportive, and beaming with love.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 57 years, Gary; daughter, Christine L (Mike) Pepiot; grandsons, Ryan M. (Lili) Pepiot and Kyle W. Pepiot; brother Joseph L. (Debbie) Richardson. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Lisa K. Jones.

Family and Friends are invited to gather for the visitation on Saturday, June 7, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Orchard Park Presbyterian Church, Carmel, with a memorial service immediately following at 3:00 PM. A reception will follow the service, and all are welcome to stay and share memories, food, and fellowship in celebration of Joyce’s life.

Joyce’s legacy of love, grace, joy, and generosity will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate to know her.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Joyce’s memory.