Mrs. Marlene “Joyce” Norris, 83, of Knoxville, Illinois died at 6:03 a.m. Sunday, May 25, 2025, at her home surrounded by family.
She was born October 12, 1941, in Joliet, Illinois to George “Dewey” and Evea (Hoover) Fuhrken. She married the love of her life, Don Norris in 1960.
Surviving is her husband of 65 years, Don Norris of Knoxville, two sons, Rick (and Elaine) Norris of Washington, Illinois and Lieutenant Colonel (U.S. Army Ret.) David (and Oksana) Norris of Kapolei, Hawaii, a daughter, Diane (and Joe) Maxwell of Knoxville, nine grandchildren, Sam (and Leslie Lopez) Norris, Jake (and Emma Kepple) Norris, Dr. Max (and Simon Wong) Norris, Hannah (and Leah) Tednes, Emily Cress, Evan (and Dr. Jenny) Norris, Phil Norris, Dr. Courtney Maxwell, and Christian (and Dr. Karsen) Maxwell, and six great grandchildren, Anna Cress, Jack Cress, Maya Norris, Beni Norris, Sophie Tednes, and Jane Maxwell. She was preceded in death by her parents, and two sisters, Carol Middaugh and Nancy Schuster.
Joyce graduated from Galesburg High School in 1959. She attended the University of Illinois and Parson College in Fairfield, Iowa. She worked as a realtor at Wilson Hannam Realtors in Galesburg for a short time, but she enjoyed being a homemaker. She was a member of the Knoxville United Methodist Church since 1974. She loved to socialize with friends and was a member of the Tuesday Morning Ladies Coffee Group at Hardees. She and her husband were members of the GMC Motor Home Club. Joyce loved to travel with family and friends. After retirement, Joyce and Don would spend the winters in Arizona. Most of all, Joyce loved hosting dinner and spending time with her family.
Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Knoxville United Methodist Church. The funeral service will begin at 1:30 p.m. Friday at the church. Pastor Dave Mustain will officiate. As Joyce requested, cremation will follow the funeral service. Memorials may be made to the Knoxville United Methodist Church. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral Directors and Cremation Services Galesburg Chapel is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be shared at www.h-p-w.com.
