Joyce Catherine Bolon

1926 - 2014

Bolon Joyce Catherine (Goodwin) Bolon was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend who lived a life of caring, sharing and service. She was very devoted to her family, her church and her community. Her life motto could be described by the phrase "Life is like a well that fills up by how much you give away in joy, hope and service". Joyce was born in Rochester, New York on June 5, 1926 to John and Alice Goodwin. In 1949, Joyce received a Bachelor's degree in Education from SUNY Brockport. After teaching kindergarten in Middletown, New York, Joyce returned to Rochester. While working in Rochester as a secretary at the Rochester Air Procurement District, Joyce met and later married (on June 18, 1955) her husband, Lt. Donald Bolon, who was serving in the United States Air Force at that time. In December 1956, Joyce and Don welcomed their only child, Douglas Bolon, who like his father, would also grow up to be a college professor at Ohio University. Throughout her husband's 40 year career as a professor (teaching at both Ohio University and Miami University), Joyce was a loving and supportive wife. In addition, Joyce was also very active in her church, where she spent many years volunteering. In 1999, the church named Joyce "Woman of the Year". Also very active in her community, Joyce was a member of P.E.O. Chapter EQ of Oxford, Ohio, where she once served as chaplain. She leaves behind many close friends and life-long acquaintances in both the Athens and Oxford communities. Joyce was a wonderful mother-in-law and friend to her daughter-in-law of 27 years, Lisa Husbands Bolon. Joyce's only grandchild, Drake Bolon, was truly the sunshine of her life for 25 years. Joyce died at the age of 88 on July 22, 2014. Doug, Lisa and Drake especially want to thank Joyce's private duty caregivers from Comfort Keepers of Hilliard, Ohio, for showering Joyce with unending care, comfort and love over the past several months of her life. Joyce was so blessed to have Tina, Bill, Kay, Pricilla, Patsy, Holly and others caring for her. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents John and Alice Goodwin, as well as her husband Donald, and an older sister Patricia Dietz. Joyce is survived by her son, Douglas, daughter-in-law, Lisa, and her only grandson, Drake, all of Athens, Ohio; as well as a sister, Audrey Jeffery of Oakland, New Jersey; and numerous nieces and nephews. A private memorial service will take place at a later date in Oxford, Ohio. In lieu of flowers, the family is very grateful for any contributions to the Alzheimer's Association. Arrangements by SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST CHAPEL. Please visit www.schoedinger.com to send condolences and share memories.