"If roses grow in Heaven,
Lord, pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mother's arms,
and tell her they're from me."
Joyce Dean (Wheatcroft) Owens was born Jan. 31, 1934 in Crittenden County, Kentucky. Surrounded by her loving family, she gained her angel wings on Feb. 26, 2021 at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, Indiana.
Joyce, the oldest of six children, was the daughter of Pernell Jefferson and Thelma Louise (Boswell) Wheatcroft.
On Oct. 5, 1949, she married Glen Edward Veach, and to this union four children were born: Vickey; Eilene; Debbie and Larry.
Joyce became a widow at the young age of 28, and faced the daunting task of raising four young children alone. As this new chapter in her life began, she faced it with fortitude and determination, and grew into a strong and confident woman who raised her children to be capable and self-reliant adults. After several years of widowhood she married William H. Owens on April 12, 1976.
Joyce was employed by Rides Mass Transit for several years, and was well-known throughout the Hardin and Pope county communities.
The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Joyce. She loved attending church, visiting with family and friends and playing cards and games.
She leaves to mourn her passing four children, Vickey (Ronnie) Flynn of Golconda and Eilene (Robert) Ginger, Debbie Dullinger and Larry Veach, all of Harrisburg; three grandchildren, Billie (Todd) Fearday of Montrose, Illinois, Jeff (Rachel) Rorer of Harrisburg, and Carey (Nathan) Collins of Tampa, Florida; seven great-grandchildren, Austin and Colton Tanner, Jase Duke, Conner and Hannah Rorer and Ella and Emery Collins; one brother, Jim (Melody) Wheatcroft of Harrisburg; three sisters, Shirlie (J.C.) Schutt of Herod, Susie (Joey) Stanfield of Marion and Janet (Larry) Jackson of Carrier Mills; and her special little buddy and companion, Tiny Girl.
In addition she leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Helen; and two husbands.
Funeral services for Joyce Dean Owens will begin at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. The Rev. Billy Dye Jr. will officiate and burial will follow in Empire Cemetery at Elizabethtown.
Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Reed Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions are suggested to McKinley Avenue Baptist Church and envelopes will be available at the funeral home.
Condolences may be left for the family on Joyce's obituary page at www.reedfuneralchapel.com.
