Joyce L. Petty, 74, of Beecher City, Illinois, passed away at home on May 3, 2026.
Joyce was born on August 3, 1951, in Terre Haute, Indiana, the daughter of Robert and Mildred (Donaldson) Barkhurst. She grew up with a strong sense of family and faith, values that guided her throughout her life. Joyce was a 1969 graduate of McCluer High School in St. Louis, Missouri, and she continued her studies at Florissant College in St. Louis, Missouri. On May 23, 1987, she married her soulmate, David Petty, and together they shared 38 blessed years of marriage filled with love, devotion, and many cherished memories.
Joyce spent 32 years working for the Secretary of State in Effingham before retiring in 2016. She was known for her dedication, reliability, and kind spirit, and she took great pride in her work. Beyond her career, Joyce was deeply committed to her church and community. She was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church in Effingham, where she taught in the Youth Department for 20 years and served in the Preschool Mission Department for approximately 15 years. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she shared that faith through service, encouragement, and example.
Joyce was also a charter member of the Beecher City Tri-County Ruritan Club and was instrumental in starting the Beecher City Booster Club. For approximately 25 years, she worked the Beecher City concessions, always willing to lend a hand wherever she was needed. She was active in many aspects of community life and was admired for her willingness to serve and her steadfast support of others. Joyce also participated in seven World Changers mission trips, reflecting her generous heart and her desire to help people beyond her own community.
She enjoyed reading, camping, and spending time with her children and grandchildren. Those moments with family were among her greatest joys, and she treasured every opportunity to be surrounded by the people she loved. Joyce’s warmth, laughter, and steady presence will be remembered by all who knew her.
Surviving are her husband, David of Beecher City; her children, Doug (Cheryl) Lamb of Beecher City, Brian (Jennifer) Lamb of St. Charles, Missouri, and Timothy (Jayme) Petty of Sigel; nine grandchildren, Kennedy, Austin, Kaleb, Morgan, Kyle, Silas, Hayes, Landen, and Kasen; sister-in-law, Janet Matteson; brothers-in-law, Darryl (Lynn) Petty and Jim (Vennia) Petty, all of Beecher City; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Mildred Barkhurst, her brothers, Greg and Brent and her in-laws, Holly Eugene and Phyllis Petty.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 8, 2026, with Pastor Nate Mason officiating. Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 7, 2026, and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service on Friday, May 8, 2026, all at Lockart-Green Funeral Home in Beecher City. Burial will take place at Petty Home Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to the First Baptist Church of Effingham Children’s Ministries and may be mailed to Lockart-Green Funeral Home, 302 W. Main St., Shelbyville, IL 62565.
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