Obituary of Joyce Dean Owens
1934 – 2021
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 January 31, 1934 in Crittenden County, Kentucky. Surrounded by her loving family, she gained her angel wings on February 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 October 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, Golconda, Eilene (Robert) Ginger, Debbie Dullinger and Larry Veach, Harrisburg; three grandchildren, Billie (Todd) Fearday, Montrose, Jeff (Rachel) Rorer, Harrisburg, and Carey (Nathan) Collins, 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, Harrisburg; three sisters, Shirlie (J.C.) Schutt, Herod, Susie (Joey) Stanfield, Marion and Janet (Larry) Jackson, 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 be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, March 3, 2021 at Reed Funeral Chapel in Harrisburg. 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, 20201 at Reed Funeral Chapel.
Memorial contributions may be made 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.
