Joyce M. Jones, 81, lived in the Wingate community all her adult life. She passed away Monday morning, May 3, 2021.
Surviving family includes: two daughters, Carla (Phil) Rice and Carol Jones, both of Wingate; grandchildren, AJ (Krystal) Rice, Daina (Conrad) Gregor, Daniel (Kim) Rice, Andy Rice and Tim Rice; great-grandchildren, Dalen Ramie, Aiden Rice, Charlotte Rice, Makena Rice and Tyler Rice; brother-in-law Dale Jones; and her beloved dog, Singit.
Born July 8, 1939, she was the daughter of Carl and Daisy Davis. She attended Purdue University. She married Dallas Jones on Sept. 8, 1957. He passed away Feb. 20, 2021.
She was preceded in death by her husband; parents; sister-in-law Katy Jones; and brother Sidney Davis.
Joyce was passionate about Native American history. She made many friends attending Native American functions that she considered family. She worked with Michigan State at the excavation of the original Fort Ouiatenon. She worked as a teacher’s aide at Southeast Fountain Elementary, which she enjoyed. She gave talks to school children which led to opening the Mid’Town Museum of Native Cultures, which she operated as long as her health would allow. Any nice day she would enjoy walking in nature and in the woods, looking for arrowheads.
Joyce was quirky, eccentric, intelligent, fearless and non-conforming. She championed the cause of those who were marginalized. She wrote poetry. She was interested in genealogy. Even if you were a sixth cousin three times removed, she’d forever call you “cousin.” She never made a grilled cheese without burning it!
Cremation has been chosen. There will be a service announced at a later date.
Dallas and Joyce left a long legacy of caring for others and looking out for the little guy. Their family asks that you do something anonymously. No kindness is too small for someone who cannot repay you every day.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to the North Montgomery Education Fund, a charity of your choice or plant a tree.
