R.
Joyce (Benbow) Thompson, formerly of Galesburg, Canton IL and
Stockton Ca, passed away Sunday, Sept 1. Seminary Manor,
Galesburg, IL.
Joyce
was born in Galesburg on March 14, 1933 the daughter of James
Prestren and Flavia Mary (Leef) Benbow.
Joyce
married John Thompson of Alexis IL, in 1956. Together they
had 4 children.
Joyce
is survived by Lori (Randy) Thompson Mayberry; Mike (Mary) Thompson;
Bill (Olga) Thompson; Kathy Thompson, and 4 Grandkids, Lindsey
Fulton; Jalen Worley; Carl (Samatha) Thompson; Breanna (Michael)
Johnson.
Joyce
was preceded in death by her parents and her brother James Benbow.
Joyce
attended Corpus Christi high school in Galesburg. In 1953 she earned
a bachelor degree in English from Marycrest College, Davenport
Ia. Her teaching career began at Spoon River Valley High School
in 1953 then onto Canton IL. In 2001, Joyce
retired from teaching at Heald Business College; Stockton, Ca.
Inspired by nature Joyce loved her pets. Throughout her life horses,
dogs and cats were her constant joy as well her love to travel to the
mountains out west. Her spiritual inspiration was as a devout
Catholic and volunteering as an Extraordinary Eucharistic Minister.
Joyce’s big-heart and epigrammatic humor defined her everyday
interactions with her family, friends, students and strangers.
Rosary
prayers for Joyce will begin at 4 p.m. followed by Visitation
from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday Sept 15th at Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and
Crematory, Galesburg. Funeral mass will be Monday Sept. 16th,
10 a.m., at St. Theresa Catholic Church, N. Main St. Alexis, IL.
Rev. Msgr. Thomas Mack will officiate. Burial will follow in
St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Galesburg then reception at The Thomas Legacy
Center at Watson Thomas Funeral Home.
Online
expressions of sympathy may be made to the family
at www.watsonthomas.com Funeral
Home.
