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BORN
1933
DIED
2021
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Joyce Flight Obituary
Indianapolis - Joyce Gladys Richards Flight, 87, Indianapolis, died March 23, 2021. She was born in Windom, MN on December 2, 1933 to Rev. Sydney L and Gladys (Girch) Richards. She married fellow Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary student Thomas Flight on December 20, 1958 and worked alongside her pastor husband in churches in Montezuma, Coatesville, Tell City, Beech Grove, and Indianapolis, Indiana
Joyce, a Diaconal Minister with the South Indiana United Methodist Church, was employed by Perry County Cooperative Ministries, First Friends Meeting, Lawrence UMC, Roberts Park UMC and First-Meridian Heights Presbyteran Church.
At Robin Run Retirement Village, she and Tom enjoyed many group activities and opportunities to engage with a variety of interesting people. She played clarinet in the Robin Melodiers and was instrumental in the group's continuation after their long-time conductor passed. Joyce loved playing ping-pong and shuffleboard, bringing people together, and connecting with others.
Tom preceded her in death in 2015. In 2018, Joyce and her life-long friend John Gibson were married until his death last year. They enjoyed hosting a different group of people each week for lively conversation dinners.
She is survived by her and Tom's four children: Linda Flight, Indianapolis; Bill (Ange) Flight, Cincinnati, OH; Mark (Risa) Flight, Indianapolis; Cindy (Mark) Cooper, Plainfield, IN and seven Grandchildren: Silver, Taylor, Hannah, Madeline, and Laura Flight and Sean and Emily Cooper as well as two sisters: Janice Iverson, Rochester MN and Phyllis Herman, Sioux Falls, SD, and sister-in-law Pauline (Gordon, brother - deceased) Richards, St. Paul, MN.
A memorial (advanced registration required) and live stream service will be held at North United Methodist Church, April 10, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to The Indonesian Scholarship at Garrett Evangelical Theological Seminary, 2121 Sheridan Rd., Evanston, IL 60201 or to the Resident Council Scholarship Fund at Robin Run Village, 5354 W 62nd St., Indianapolis, IN 46268.
Arrangements entrusted to Flanner Buchanan-Washington Park North
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Joyce Flight
Laura McDonald
April 1, 2021
I knew Joyce as a supportive Diaconal Minister in South Indiana Conference. I will always remember her joyful and faithful service to God and others. May wonderful memories support you in this time of loss. Rev. Laura McDonald
Paul & Kathy Gibson
March 31, 2021
It was a pleasure getting to know Joyce in her later years of life. We met Joyce through our father, John Gibson. Joyce was always friendly, caring and loved life. We loved her big smile and sense of humor. Thanks to Joyce for bringing joy and conversation to John and our family. We will miss you. Rest In Peace and continue to smile on us from heaven.
Karon Duffield
March 30, 2021
Joyce and I played clarinet together in the Robin Run Melodiers for 14 years, which was conducted by her son Mark. When I first arrived at Robin Run in 2006 Joyce was the only clarinetist and knocked on my door once a month for a year begging me to join her. I finally relented and said “yes,” if she would reteach me the fingerings, since I hadn’t played clarinet for 35 years. Patiently she revived my skills. Joyce was relentless in recruiting instrumentalists from local orchestras. We all had so much fun teasing each other and loved Mark, our director. I will always smile when fondly remembering Joyce. Karon Duffield
Carl and Susan Hungerford
March 30, 2021
We are very sorry to hear of her passing. Through her work with the Robin Run Melodiers, her grace touched many over the years. We are honored to have worked with her, and to have played along side of her. She will be greatly missed.
Ed Staubach
March 29, 2021
Joyce played clarinet and was the driving force behind the Robin Run Melodiers, an orchestra that her son, Mark, conducted on Monday nights. When she had time she would also come and join our Wiley Community Orchestra which rehearsed at Robin Run on Sundays. When I sent the sad notification to our musicians about Joyce's passing, numerous responses came quickly: "What a sweet lady," and "Joyce was a very classy woman.". Always kind. We will miss her; however I am pretty sure she is organizing an orchestra as I type this. Love and sympathies to her family and friends.
Karin Stratton
March 28, 2021
I have always respected Mrs Flight as she stood up for her family and was always so insightful. I am glad you are able to Rest In Peace.
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Flanner Buchanan - Washington Park North2706 Kessler Blvd. West Dr., Indianapolis, IN 46228
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