Joyce Evans

1934 - 2025

LIMA -- Joyce Irene Link Evans passed from this life on March 25, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.

Joyce was born on November 5, 1934, in Lima, to Irene Snyder and Earl L. Link who preceded her in death.

She graduated from Central High School in 1952, and she served as emcee of both her 45th and 50th class reunions. She continued to meet with classmates for lunch once a month. In the days after graduation, she worked at the Lima Public Library and as a board member at Thomson & McKinnon Brokerage office, before the advent of electronic stock quotes. It was there that she met her future husband, John R. Evans.

She started her journalism career as a "copy girl" at the Lima News, later working up to cub reporter. At that time, she was a member of Local 166, American Newspaper Guild, and she was elected to represent the organization as a delegate to San Jose, CA, and the New York convention of the organization's international guild. At the New York convention, she was named Recording Secretary of the guilds Pennsylvania, Ohio and Indiana Council. She was one of a group who helped organize and staff the now defunct Lima Citizen Newspaper where she was general assignment reporter, religion editor and associate women's editor, working with the legendary Hope Strong. During her career, she received first place awards for her feature writing.

On April 28,1962, she married John R. Evans. He was a founding partner of the law firm of Gooding, Evans and Huffman for 35 years before his election to judge in the Third District Court of Appeals. At the time of his death, March 26, 2000, he and Joyce had been married 38 years. One of her favorite activities was campaigning with her husband in the 17 counties that comprise the 3rd Appellate District.

In her early years, she was a member of St. Mark's Methodist Church, later becoming a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was a past member of The Junior Service League, a member and past president of the Delphian Club and Art Study Club and a member of Friends of the Johnny Appleseed Metro Park District. Joyce was one of a group of local artists and art-lovers who organized the Lima Art Association in the late 1950's. As a charter member, she was a participant in the association's first art show, in which one of her sculptures won 1st prize, judged by popular vote.

Joyce is survived by three sons, George R. of Lima, David R. of New Cumberland, WV, and James R. (Martha) of Waynesville, OH, and a former daughter-in-law, Shirley Evans of Lima. Also surviving are five grandchildren: Allison Evans of Pittsburgh, Marley Evans of Lima, Elizabeth, Katherine and William Evans all of Waynesville and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Richard E. Link, a brother-in-law, William James Evans, a sister-in-law, Patricia Jenkins, and a brother and sister-in-law, Ernest and Betty Evans.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, March 31, 2025, at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home - Shawnee Chapel. Rev. Lori Wright will officiate the service. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery following the service. A time of visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Chiles-Laman Funeral Home - Shawnee Chapel.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.