Photo courtesy of Smith, Bizzell & Warner Funeral Home
Jan 10, 1944 - Mar 15, 2026
Always a sweet person. I enjoyed working with her at St. Mary Medical Center!! Will be forever remembered as a beautiful soul. From the 3 west crew
Stephanie Willis
March 24, 2026 | Merrillville, IN | Coworker
I pray that the memories of smiles, fun times, love and hugs bring you comfort now and going forward.
Nichelle “Nickie” Glover
March 23, 2026 | Chicago, IL
Remembered By
Jaime Winston
March 23, 2026 | DECATUR, GA | Family
My condolences on behalf of myself and my family
Angie Cruz
March 22, 2026 | Gary, IN | Neighbor
Continued prayers and comfort for my cousins Jackie and Marlon and all the lives Joyce touched....love you all!
Toshia Hendricks
March 21, 2026 | Muncie, IN | Family
Cousin Joyce.....im at loss for words
But I know that God carried you from this world to give you a forever home in his garden amongst other angels alike..your wisdom and caring words will forever be with me
..you've taught me so much about family just through conversations and the sharing of photos alone... I will forever cherish that and the memories that we shared.
You will sadly be missed and forever loved, always..
Toshia Hendricks (Flowers)
Toshia HENDRICKS
March 21, 2026 | Muncie, IN | Family
To my long time friend from high school, Jackie, and her family. Sorry to hear about your loss. My prayer is that God will give you peace of mind and comfort your hearts. God BLESS you all.
Linda Clanton
March 20, 2026 | Covington, GA | Friend
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Helen Dozier
March 19, 2026 | Indianapolis, IN | Friend
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Jennifer Ward
March 19, 2026 | Gary, IN | Friend
CLICK HERE VIEW LIVE STREAM!!!!!!!!!!
Joyce N. Merkerson was born on January 10, 1944, in Lake County, Tennessee to Jim and Geradine Klyce.
Joyce graduated from High School in Lake County, Tennessee, after graduation she moved to Gary, Indiana. Joyce went on to further her education at Indiana University Northwest where she received her associate’s degree. She then continued her education at St. Francis College graduating in 1982 with her bachelor’s degree.
Joyce diligently worked for over 30 years in the nursing field at Gary Methodist and Mercy Hospital, she also worked at the Gary Health Department. Retiring from St. Catherines Hospital in East Chicago, Indiana.
On Monday, March 16, 2026, Joyce gained her wings to her eternal resting place.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents and two siblings.
She leaves to cherish her memory to her daughter, Jacqueline Perry of Georgia; son, Marlon Merkerson of Texas; two grandsons: Jaime (Jasmine) Winston and Jamari (Brittney) Winston of Georgia; four great-grandchildren: Journey, Jayla, Jaxon and Judah Winston; and special friend, Jacqueline Knight. and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and other friends.
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