Joyce Meyer

CHAMPAIGN - Joyce D. Meyer, 65, of Champaign died Sunday (March 5, 2023) at home, with her wife, Faye L. Lesht, and best friend, Nila Blair, by her side.

Joyce is survived by her wife, Faye L. Lesht; mother; sister, Bess (Steven Karczynski); in-laws, Barry Lesht (Kay Schichtel), David Lesht (Maxine) and Carole Mostow (Michael); nieces and nephews, Hudson, Alison (Jake), Deanna (Paul), Kevin, Tracy, Bryan, Sam (Grace), Danny and Julia; and three great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by her father.

Joyce was born and raised in Chicago. She earned her B.A. in political science and her M.S.W. from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She worked as a social worker, an instructor at Parkland College and at the University Archives.

Joyce was devoted to the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, "repairing the world," and was involved in many activist causes. She campaigned for political candidates she viewed as important to the welfare of our community and the nation. She served on the boards of Illini Hillel, the Prairie Zen Center and the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation, where she chaired the Holocaust Education Committee.

Joyce was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, sister-in-law, aunt and friend. She cared deeply about people, her community and country. She will be deeply missed.

Graveside services will be on Wednesday, March 8, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 611 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Champaign, IL 61820.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WILL/Illinois Public Media, the Champaign Urbana Jewish Federation or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Morgan Memorial Home; morganmemorialhome.com.