Joyce A. Bomke

1927 - 2018

Joyce A. Bomke entered into the presence of her Lord, May 31, 2018.

She was born, Sept. 14, 1927, in Kampsville, the daughter of James and Leta (Angelo) Armstrong. She was the sister of Neil G. and James B. (Dortha) Armstrong, all of whom preceded her in death. Joyce is survived by one sister-in-law, Doris Armstrong.

Following the death of her father, at age 5 years, her mother married Leslie Wineland. He preceded Joyce in death.

Joyce married Avery L. Jennings, March 17, 1944. He preceded her in death, April 29, 1964. They had two children, David (Mary) Jennings of Jacksonville and Phyllis (Steve) Smith of Fayetteville, North Carolina. On Nov. 11, 1972, Joyce married John C. Bomke. Three stepchildren were lovingly added to Joyce's family, Diane (Richard) Saxer, John C. (Frances) Bomke Jr., and David (Betty) Bomke. Sadly, Diane preceded Joyce in death along with David's first wife, Heidi. Sometime following Diane's death, stepson-in-law Richard married Orissa, adding to Joyce's family.

Joyce was blessed with eight grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

In May 1944, she graduated from Pleasant Hill Community High School and in May of 1967, from Gem City College, Quincy. She was active in farming activities and involved in various activities of her children and community, including 4-H leader, Home Bureau, Farm Bureau, and women's softball teams.

Joyce was employed as executive secretary at the Dundee Cement plant in Clarksville, Missouri, for several years. In Jacksonville, she worked at Jarman/Bomke Insurance and the State of Illinois Unemployment Office, from which she retired.

Joyce had a servant's heart, volunteering in many community activities including delivering Meals on Wheels, walking in Heart Walk and participating in grief support groups, both at the Passavant Hospital. She served as an election judge in South Jacksonville. She especially loved helping her friends and family in any way she could. Joyce was very devout and faithful in her love for Jesus Christ; serving in many capacities in the church including Sunday school teacher, Training Union director, choir director, sundry committees and more recently, senior ministry team.

In November 1973, Joyce became a member of Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. She was an encourager and helper to many of all ages. Her earthly example of Godly character will be missed by friends and family.

A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church with Mark A. Jennings, Ph.D., officiating. The family will greet friends Tuesday from 1 p.m. until time of the service at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Carmi Baptist Children's Home or the Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church Building Fund. The Daws Family Funeral Home in South Jacksonville is overseeing the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at dawsfuneralhome.com.