Joyce Irene Bean, 77, of Galesburg, died at 11:25 a.m. Wednesday, February 26, 2020, at Seminary Manor, Galesburg.
Joyce was born April 16, 1942 in Foxtown, IL the daughter of Tecumseh Guy and Maggie Marie (Gates) Bean. Joyce is survived by three sisters, Wanda (Jim) Parrish of New Carlyle, OH, Betty Dawson, and Barb (Bob) LaFollette both of Galesburg’ twenty nieces and nephews; and many great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her close friends Jim and Susie Cordle and Pat Willis all of Galesburg. Along with her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by four brothers, Glenn, Clarence, Vernon, and Don Bean; and one sister, Ellen Johnson.
Joyce worked 20 years for Intrastate/Centel Telephone Company. She then worked as US Congressman Lane Evans Congressional Assistant for his entire tenure, from 1983 to 2007. She then worked for US Congressman Phil Hare from 2007 until she retired in 2011. Joyce was a strong Democrat, active in the Knox County Democratic Party and the Knox County Democratic Woman from whom she was awarded the Democratic Woman of the Year. She was a strong union member and supporter her entire life. Joyce received The Joseph A. Beirne Community Services Award in 1986. She was a member of Faith Lutheran Church in Wataga.
The family would like to thank Beacon of Hope Hospice, Pastor Katie Gallagher, and the staff at Seminary Manor for their loving care and support.
Visitation will be 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, March 1, 2020 at Watson Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, March 2, 2020 at the funeral home, with Pastor Katie Gallagher officiating. Burial will be at Wataga Cemetery, Wataga. Memorials may be made to Faith Lutheran Church, Wataga, or the Alzheimer’s Association. Online condolences may be sent at www.watsonthomas.com.
