Joyce Ann Henke

After a long, full life, Joyce Ann Henke, age 90, passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in her home in Tampa, Florida. She was born on December 27, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, to Emil H. and Margaret M. Diedrich, and spent her early childhood in Ludlow, KY. After moving to Lakeside Park in Fort Mitchell, KY, she attended Blessed Sacrament Elementary School and proudly considered herself a tomboy, participating in all the sports with the neighborhood boys.

Joyce graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, Kentucky, in 1953 and enjoyed long-lasting friendships with many of her classmates. For years, a dozen or so of these former classmates took turns hosting a monthly gathering of the "Giddy Girls", a fun evening filled with laughter as they updated one another on their families.

On August 4, 1956, Joyce married James Henke, and together they shared 26 years of marriage, until Jim's death in September 1982. She was first and foremost a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, dedicating her life to caring for her family and creating a cozy, welcoming home. She was known for her kindness, strong faith, and dedication to her family, and had a heart for those in need.

Joyce and Jim raised five children through their early childhoods in Cincinnati, OH, where they kept busy with the children's activities and sports at St. Mary's. After purchasing some property with a lake in nearby Ellettsville, IN, they moved the family to Bloomington, IN, where Jim could continue his financial consulting business. Weekends were spent "playing" on the property and enjoying the lake. Joyce showed her entrepreneurial spirit when she started a summer fishing camp at the lake, creating fun memories for her children and others.

In the mid-seventies, Jim and Joyce worked together in the restaurant business to create what later became Nero's Olde World Chili, a popular family restaurant in downtown Bloomington that featured Cincinnati-style chili. Nero's was a town favorite because everyone enjoyed the food, and more importantly, they loved Joyce and Jim and the friendly atmosphere they created.

After Jim's death, Joyce and their youngest son, Rob, continued to operate the restaurant in Jim's honor for more than a year before the decision was made to sell the business. In 1985, she set out for Tampa, Florida, with a chaise lounge, a few kitchen items, and her clothes to start a new chapter. Joyce stayed with "friends of a friend" briefly before being introduced to the Bay Pointe community. As a catering director, she continued her career in hospitality at the Holiday Inn and the Pickett, forming friendships she continued to cherish well into retirement.

Joyce loved her Bay Pointe neighborhood and enjoyed skating, kayaking, and playing tennis, along with riding her bike around the complex. Visiting with friends at the pool, gatherings in the clubhouse, and cocktails at sunset were some of her favorite pastimes during her forty years at Bay Pointe.

Joyce was a proud, longtime member and dedicated volunteer at Incarnation Roman Catholic Church. Over the years, she volunteered in many capacities, from coaching Special Olympics to helping in Incarnation's office and working at the polls at election time. She served multiple terms as president of the Bay Pointe Condo Association's board of directors and was very proud of the many improvements made during her tenure.

A serious sports fan, she enjoyed going to Rays' games with friends and was a loyal Bucs fan but still had a soft spot for the Cincinnati Bengals. Joyce watched IU football and basketball any chance she got and thoroughly enjoyed cheering on the Hoosiers throughout their journey to become the NCAA National Football Champions.

After being displaced by Hurricane Helene for fourteen months, she was so excited to be back in her beautifully updated condo and to reconnect with her Bay Pointe friends.

Joyce will be greatly missed by her children, Jamie Taylor (John), Jeff Henke (Richie), Tim Henke (Erika), and Tammy Rowland (Eddie), and daughter-in-law Ellen Henke.

Nineteen young adults affectionately called her Grandma: Sean (Tinsley), Ryan (Amy), Kyle (Alli), Kory (Brittney), and Kevin (Beka) Thompson, Kathleen Thompson Dill (Joe), Kari Henke Rogers (Hank), Laura Henke (Christian), Tyler (Dana), Grace, and Holt (Abby) Henke, Estelle Henke Morin (John), Kenzie Rowland Fioca, Molly Rowland Redlinger (Andrew), Egan (Shannon) and Erin Rowland, Brother Jimmy Henke, Kristen (Karrah) Henke, and Danielle Henke Mitchell (Cade). She was also a loving great-grandmother to nineteen great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband Jim, son Rob Henke, her parents, and sister, Elaine Diedrich Collins.

In accordance with Joyce's wishes, a funeral mass will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, March 23rd, at Incarnation Catholic Church, 8220 W. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615. A private service will be held at Rosehill Cemetery in Bloomington, IN, where her cremains will be buried beside her beloved husband, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Incarnation Catholic Church (8220 W. Hillsborough Ave, Tampa, FL 33615) or the Tunnels to Towers Foundation (2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306).

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Florida Mortuary Funeral & Cremation Services.