Joyce E. Epperson, 69, of Washington, passed away at 9:12 p.m. on Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 23, 2012, at Peoria First Assembly of God, with the Reverend Dean Grabill officiating. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 22, 2012, at Clary Funeral Home, 3004 West Lake Avenue in Peoria, and one hour prior to services at the church. Interment will be at Swan Lake Memory Gardens. Joyce was born in Peoria on June 15, 1943, the daughter of Edwin and Gertrude (Stegenga) Ott. They preceded her in death. She married John V. Epperson on April 13, 1968 at Peoria First Assembly of God. He survives. She is also survived by her son, the Rev. Dan (Colleen) Epperson of Ione, CA; daughter, Denise (Ryan) Ballinger of Corpus Christi, TX; brothers, Randall Ott of Sacramento, CA and the Rev. Lowell (Debora) Ott of Plymouth, IN; and seven grandchildren. Joyce was a homemaker and a lifetime member of Peoria First Assembly of God. She loved working with children, taught Sunday school and volunteered in the nursery and other various positions in the children’s department at Peoria First Assembly of God. She enjoyed cooking, fishing, camping, shooting guns, going to garage sales, listening to Country & Western and old Gospel music, collecting China sets, and working in her flower garden. She was devoted to her God, church, family and a host of friends. She cared for people and appreciated all of God’s creation of flowers, trees and birds. She took pleasure in the small things. She was unselfish, helpful and amazing with children. Memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to Peoria First Assembly of God or to her son’s church, King’s View Assembly of God in Ione.
| Bill and Lockey Diebel |
Friends for Many Years |
July 24, 2012 |
Bill and I are so sorry to hear of Joyce's passing. Know that you are in our prayers.
| Connie & Cheryl Peak |
Her Sunday School Pupils |
July 22, 2012 |
We are so saddened by your loss but so peaceful knowing where she is today,in the arms of Jesus.
| Tonya (Ray) Berry |
Pastor Ray's Daughter |
July 24, 2012 |
My thoughts and loving prayers go out to your family. Memories abound me as I think of her and all she did for the church and Kingdom of God. Thank you for sharing the photos...precious! You all were loved by my mom and dad (Bob and Bonita), and what a glorious day when we shall see them again!
| Jerry & Esther Diebel |
Teenage & Family Friend |
July 24, 2012 |
Esther and I were saddened to hear of Joyce's passing. Our prayers are with the Ott and Epperson families over the loss of a sister, wife and mother.
I have many fond memories of Joyce and the Ott family as a teenager in the old 1st A/G church in Peoria. Joyce's strong testimony for Christ was certainly evident in her life and legacy. Jerry
| Charles and Carol Bunce |
God Be With You |
July 22, 2012 |
Carol and I are saddened by your loss. We will miss Joyce's sweet smile and frendly conversation at the family reunions. Your family has suffered so much recently. We are sorry we will not be able to be in Peoria with you this weekend, but your whole family are in our prayers. God be with you, Charlie and Carol
| Deena Crone |
Prayers to your family |
July 22, 2012 |
I had the opportunatety of knowing Joyce and Gertie from them volunteering at the nursing home. They sure new how to make the residents smile. My sympathy to you all at this time.
| Marilyn Massey |
Cousin (Dan Epperson's daughter) |
July 21, 2012 |
I am so sorry for your loss. I know she loved the Lord and that is a glorious thing. We will be praying for you all. We know the Holy Spirit will comfort like no other. Love, Marilyn
