Mrs. Joy M. Bledsoe, 83, of Galesburg, Illinois went home to be with the Lord surrounded by her family 12:46 a.m. Saturday, February 29, 2020 at OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg.
She was born November 19, 1936 in Galesburg to Charles A. and Lavon (Stauffer) Mitchell. She married Norman R. Bledsoe, September 8, 1962 in Oneida, Illinois. He preceded her in death March 15, 2012.
Surviving are two sons, Curtis W. Bledsoe of Galesburg and James (and Tricia) Bledsoe of Wataga, Illinois, a daughter, Laura (and Todd) Anderson of Galesburg, a daughter-in-law, Michelle Bledsoe of Normal, Illinois, a sister, Carolyn (and Kenny) Olson of Wataga, 13 grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents and a son, Mitchell R. Bledsoe.
Joy graduated from R.O.V.A. High School in 1954 and Galesburg Cottage Hospital Nursing School in 1957. She was a Registered Nurse for the Galesburg Mental Research Hospital for 17 years. She later worked for the Community Living Options in Galesburg as a Certified Developmental Disabilities Nursing Supervisor and retired in 2002. She was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church in Galesburg and the Developmental Disabilities Nursing Association. She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross and the Special Olympics. Joy enjoyed jigsaw puzzles and playing cards, especially Phase 10. She was an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Most of all, she loved Jesus, her family and supporting her grandchildren in all of their activities.
Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Service Galesburg Chapel. Funeral Service will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at Bethel Baptist Church, Galesburg. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memorial Gardens, Galesburg. Memorials may be made to Special Olympics, Bethel Baptist Church, or Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
