Joyce Erline Pence was born April 4, 1933 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Jerry and May Goodman. Joyce is preceded in death by husband, Donald Pence (February 2021); parents, Jerry and May Goodman; and sister, Carol Goodman.
Joyce grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio with her grandmother, mother, sister and family on her mother’s side. She learned to play the piano in third grade. At age eight Joyce played “Silent Night” on the chimes for the Salvation Army Christmas work on the streets in Cincinnati. In eighth grade she started playing the pipe organ. Joyce went to Bible school in Salem, Ohio where she played the piano, violin, and sousaphone.
In 1953 Don Pence, a childhood friend, came back into her life. Don and Joyce were married on November 15, 1955. They were married 65 years before Don went home to be with the Lord.
Don and Joyce loved to travel. They went to Alaska and South Dakota several times to help missionaries. Together they traveled to Alaska, Texas, Ohio, New York, California, and Oregon. They lived in the Colorado Springs area until 1988 when they moved to Rush, CO. They had many dogs, cats, goats, chickens, pigeons, a cow and a pig. Joyce had a deep love for animals, especially for her cats. They were company for her after Don passed away.
Joyce enjoyed oil and watercolor painting, quilting, lapidary, and making pictures from wildflowers and seashells. Her artistic ability and creativity were amazing. She continued her artwork and quilting right up until she passed away. Even though her eyesight was failing and it was hard for her to raise her arms she finished a painting that she had been working on three days before she passed away. For the past five years Joyce had several caregivers that helped with daily tasks because she was not able to walk or stand without a walker. Every day she asked, “What shall we do today?” and was busy doing something. She was a great inspiration to all of us to not be idle just because we’re older. Joyce loved children. On one of their trips to Alaska she worked with several children teaching them to paint. Joyce also worked with several children in the Rush community teaching them to paint. Every year she would make beautiful things to give to the children (and adults) that came to her home Christmas caroling. The children would always want to go to Joyce’s house to see what she was going to give them. Last Christmas Joyce made over 30 ornaments to give to the carolers and her friends. Joyce was very generous with everything she had. She made many beautiful things. She sold some of them, but she received so much joy by giving things to others. In honor of Joyce and her love for children and art, her home will be transformed into an art and craft center for children and adults to provide a place for them to learn various forms of art and crafts.
Joyce loved attending Kendrick Bible Church where she played the piano and the chimes until her health wouldn’t allow it. God was her life and her inspiration. She touched the lives of everyone that knew her with her sweet spirit and kindness. She will be greatly missed by many who were blessed to know her.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Evangelical Wesleyan Mission, PO Box 160070, Spartanburg, SC 29316 or God’s Bible School, 1810 Young St., Cincinnati, OH 45202.
Graveside services will be held at Kendrick Cemetery on April 11, 2022 at 2 PM. A reception will follow at Kendrick Bible Church. For directions please call Kathy at 719-337-4416.