Joyce (Gearhart) Watts

March 17, 1935 ~ February 3, 2022 (age 86)

Joyce Watts, residing in South Bend, passed away at 12:27 p.m. Thursday, February 3, 2022 at the age of 86.

She was born March 17, 1935 in South Bend, IN, the daughter of the late Kenneth and Marie (Darr) Gearhart, and has remained a lifelong resident of the area.

On April 10, 1954, in South Bend, Joyce was united in marriage to Darrell, who preceded her in death on November 10, 2020. Joyce is survived by two daughters, Debbie (John) Birkey of Bremen, Cindy (Tim) McCan of Lakeville, her son, Kenneth (Debbie) Watts of South Bend, and by Ron Evans, of Imlay City, MI, who was just like a son to both Joyce and Darrell. Also surviving are sixteen grandchildren and 34 great-grandchildren and her sister, Peggy Richard of Lakeville.

She was preceded in death by her son, Douglas M. Watts on June 8, 2015, her sister, Diana Bays, brothers, Larry and Jack Gearhart.

Joyce worked many years as a receptionist for Southside Trailer Sales. She was a member of Community Baptist Church where she loved and served her Savior and enjoyed playing the piano, helping in the children’s ministry, and faithfully serving at all funeral dinners. She was equally as dedicated to her family, never missing anything they were involved in from sporting events, school events, and all family get-togethers.

Services for Joyce will be at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, February 11, 2022 at the Palmer Funeral Home – Lakeville, within the Palmer Community Complex, 601 North Michigan St., Lakeville, IN. Her grandson, Rev. Josh Hamilton will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 10 and one hour prior to the service on Friday at the funeral home.  Graveside services will follow at Southlawn Cemetery, South Bend.

Memorial contributions in honor of Mrs. Watts may be made to Community Baptist Church, 5715 Miami Rd, South Bend, IN 46614.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.palmerfuneralhomes.com.

02.07.2022  djb

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