Joyce June Phillips

1928 - 2024

Joyce June Phillips, 96, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2024, at her home in Michigan City with her family by her side.

Joyce was born on Jan. 19, 1928, to Amil King and Emma King (Roberts) in Elkhart, Indiana.

Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Jim, in 1993 and her son, Mike, in 2019. She is also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James (Jimmy) and his wife, Barbara; and her brother-in-law, Ron (Rock) and his wife, Ramona Phillips. Surviving is daughter, Susan Phillips, son, Scott Phillips; daughter-in-law, Sheila Phillips; grandson, Aaron Phillips; daughter-in-law, Kim Phillips; granddaughter, Ashlee King; and great-grandchildren, Aidan Kelly and Aryanna Perez.

Joyce graduated from Indiana University School of Nursing. In 1956 she met James (Jim) William Phillips on a blind date, and they married six months later. They had three children, Mike, Scott and Susan.

While working in the Michigan City Area Schools system as the school nurse at Edgewood Elementary, she earned her master's degree in nursing. She loved taking care of the students and is warmly remembered by so many that passed through her office over the years.

Joyce was also a talented musician and was involved with music throughout her lifetime. She was gifted with perfect pitch and the ability to play anything on the piano after hearing it once. She shared her talent in the local grade school, church children's programs and singing in the church choir.

Most of all, Joyce loved her family and they always came first. Her life was always prioritized around everyone in her family. Everyone always knew how much she loved them and that she would always be there for them.

She was a very involved mom, supporting her kids in all their sports and activities. She cherished the interactions with the students, who would ring her doorbell all weekend for the discounted movie theater tickets she sold to support the Roger's High School Booster Club. All the kids knew Mrs. Phillips and she greeted everyone with a warm smile.

Joyce (Nana) was especially proud of her grandson, Aaron, and their wonderful relationship. His visits between work and college classes always brought a smile to her face as she'd listen to updates on his life. Watching him grow into the man he is today brought her much joy.

Joyce would light up when she would get frequent calls from nephews Jeff King and Brad Phillips and long letters from niece Michelle Zuniga – all of whom she cared about very much. Frequent visits from Kim, Ashlee, Aidan and Aryanna also invigorated her and brought many smiles.

Joyce loved sitting on her porch under her pink patio umbrella surrounded by hundreds of pretty pink impatiens flowers, visiting with family. She was blessed to be surrounded by wonderful neighbors who lived in the same houses they grew up in and knew her nearly their entire lives. Becky York, Janet and Phil Latchford, and Sean and Kelly Blieden gave her much kindness and caring. When not outside, she loved her Cubbies despite often wanting to call the team and share her frustrations with the losses.

Joyce's life was also blessed with her dear friend, Calvin (Cal) Jingst. They helped each other through life's tough times and were able to enjoy church, social events, Bulls games and Sunday dinners.

All of us were blessed to have such a loving and caring person in our lives and hope to pass on some of that spirit through us to others in our lifetimes. We cherish all the many years we had with her, many of the last 5-plus years due to the dedication and love from her sons, Mike and Scott; daughter, Susan; daughter-in-law, Sheila; and loving friend, Linda Hancock.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 7, 2024, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. with an additional visitation on Monday, July 8, 2024, from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m. at Geisen-Carlisle Funeral Home, 613 Washington St. Michigan City, IN 46360, with Pastor Bill Fine of St. John's United Church of Christ officiating. Burial to follow at Greenwood Cemetery.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Joyce may be given to St. John's United Church of Christ or the donor's choice.

To sign the guestbook or leave condolences, please visit: www.Carlislefh.com. 219-874-4214