Joyce A. Vowell

Joyce A. Vowell (Schrougham), 93, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away suddenly on December 24, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the middle of three daughters born at home on February 12, 1932, to Omar and Dorothy Schrougham.
Joyce devoted her life to family. At the age of 12, when her father was drafted, she began working as a dishwasher at her uncle's restaurant in Nashville, IN to help supplement the family income. She had various other jobs until she married the love of her life, Byron "Ernie" Vowell in May of 1950. It was then she chose to set aside the various hats of her then working life to devote herself full-time to raising her children.
While raising her four children, she was instrumental in starting the first girls softball team, the Dollys, at Lowell Little League. She held various active roles for Lowell Elementary PTA, even coming up with the idea of grandparents joining. When her sister needed help in 1979, Joyce stepped in without hesitation, joining The Tasty Spoon in Beech Grove as a part time waitress. For 15 years, she greeted customers with warmth and took pride in her work. A few of her grandchildren even began their own journeys there, working their first jobs with her by their side. She retired in 1993, though she never retired from caring for her family.
Joyce cherished over 50 years of card club and bowling with close friends. She loved playing Mexican Train Dominoes and Scrabble with family. Joyce looked forward to her daily crossword puzzles and cryptograms, a testament to her sharp mind.
Joyce had a song for every moment, whether she was humming or singing in the kitchen as she cooked or soothing a sleepy grandchild with a gentle lullaby. Her beautiful voice will be deeply missed.
Joyce is survived by her daughters, Marcia Wager and Connie Palmer (Marty), and her sons, Charles "Tom" Vowell (Maria "Nene") and Jef Sanchez-Vowell (John). She leaves behind 13 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren, all of whom brought her immense joy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 50 years, Byron "Ernie" Vowell; her parents, Omar and Dorothy Schrougham; and her sisters, Rosella "Rosie" Walden and Jean Davis.
Joyce's legacy of love, laughter, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
A funeral service is scheduled for 1:00pm, Wednesday, December 31 at Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory, Franklin Township Chapel 5950 E. Thompson Road, Indianapolis Indiana with visitation from 12:00pm until service time. She will be laid to rest in Orchard Hill Cemetery.