Joyce Arleen Freeman

Joyce Arleen Freeman, 85, of Elkhart, beloved mother, wife, daughter, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt, passed away on July 4, 2025.

Joyce was born to Gladys and Orville Opelt in South Bend, Indiana, on Nov. 14, 1939. She graduated from South Bend Central in 1957. She married Gary Odell Freeman on Oct. 14, 1961, and had two children: Gary Odell Jr. and Annette Joyce.

Joyce was preceded in death by her mother and father, husband and son, and two sisters, Lois and Alicia. She is survived by her daughter, Annette (Ray), daughter-in-law, Kay (Russ), grandson Neil (Rebecca), granddaughter Franchesca (Justin), sister, Debbie (Jim), great-grandchildren Emilie, Vanessa, Judah, Joss and Lyra.

Joyce was very active in her faith at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Bristol, helping with daily mass as a Eucharistic Minister. She was treasurer for the Altar Rosary Society and on special occasions would lead the rosary before masses. She loved Father Bob and the ladies that contributed to the service of God. When Joyce was younger, she enjoyed traveling around the country with her husband on their motorcycle.

A viewing will be held at Billings Funeral Home in Elkhart on July 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Mass in celebration of her life will be on July 10 at St. Mary of the Annunciation in Bristol at 11 a.m. with an hour of visitation preceding. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Women's Care Center of Elkhart County or the Humane Society of Elkhart County.