Joyce E. Etnire

CHARLESTON, IL – Joyce Elaine Etnire, age 79 of rural Charleston, received the promise of eternal life as she left her earthly home on Thursday, February 27, 2020 to dwell evermore with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in her Heavenly Home.  Her Visitation and Funeral Service will be held at Salisbury Church located at 2190 County Highway 5 southeast of Charleston, a place she has called her church home for more than 40 years.  Visitation will be held for two hours beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 with the Funeral Service honoring and celebrating her life to follow at 1:00 p.m. with Pastors Ray Finney and Michael Stewart officiating.  Burial will be at Salisbury Cemetery.  Memorial gifts in her honor may be given to Salisbury Church or to Shriners Hospitals for Children and left at the visitation/service or mailed to Adams Funeral Chapel, 2330 Shawnee Drive, Charleston, IL  61920.

Joy as she was affectionately known by many, was born April 24, 1940 in Montrose, Illinois, the youngest child of the late Earnie and Rhoda Jane (Russell) Pitcher.  She married Darius Etnire on February 22, 1959 at the home of Reverend Walter Dent in Charleston and they have shared and celebrated 61 years of marriage.   In addition to her husband Darry, left to cherish many fond memories are her children, Randy D. Etnire and wife Kay, Steve D. Etnire, Doug K. Etnire and wife Tammy, and DeeAnna J. McHenry and husband Larry, all of Charleston; five grandchildren, Tiffany (Josh) Keener, Brad (Ashley) Etnire, Cameron (Baylee Elliott) Etnire, Wyatt Etnire and Jayden Etnire; two step-grandchildren, Laura (Trey Garrett) McHenry and Ryan Adams; and six great-grandchildren, Kambrynn Etnire, Kailee and Kinsley Gough, Cody and Kai Keener, and Beau McHenry.  She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.  Joy was preceded by all her siblings, Ernie Pitcher, Donald Pitcher, Marie Warner and Lucille Cuffle.

Joyce was a graduate of Newton High School and was employed for a time with Moore Business Forms in Charleston.  Most will remember her as a successful decorator with Home Interiors for 33 years.  Joyce’s amazing ability as a decorator could be witnessed in many homes throughout Coles and the surrounding counties.  During her long career with Home Interiors she was the recipient of many awards and accolades.

Holidays, birthdays, etc. were always special occasions that Joyce looked forward to, as it was a time that brought all her family together.  The aroma of her chicken and noodles or specialty cinnamon cake would always greet you at the door and there was no leaving until a picture (or 2 or 3) were taken.  Shortly after Christmas, Darry and Joyce were off to enjoy the warm weather and the company of friends and family at their Florida home.   A few months was always long enough for Joyce as she missed her Charleston family and at the first hint of Spring wanted to be home to begin her gardening.  Joyce’s flower gardens and her green thumb were to be envied and her and Darry’s vegetable garden provided tomatoes and sweet corn for all the family. 

Joyce also enjoyed decorating her own home, creating a special place filled with warmth and love and sentimental treasures gifted to her by family and friends.  Her life was centered round the family that she dearly loved and was so devoted to.  She was the matriarch of her family and a role model for many, exemplifying the Christian values she held fast.  She will be dearly missed by a family that loved and treasured her presence in their lives, and has left a legacy for each and every one of them to remember and cherish.

Click here to view Family Memorial Video.

FUNERAL SERVICE
The funeral service honoring and celebrating Joyce's life was held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at Salisbury Church with Pastor Michael Stewart and Ray Finney officiating.  Joyce's favorite hymns: "I'll Fly Away", "What A Day That Will Be" and "When We All Get To Heaven" were sung by the congregation, accompanied by Sharon Finney, pianist and led by Kim Stewart.  Tiffany Keener, granddaughter, delivered the eulogy.  Burial followed in Salisbury Cemetery.  Pallbearers were: Doug Etnire, Randy Etnire, Jayden Etnire, Cameron Etnire, Wyatt Etnire and Brad Etnire.  Honorary Pallbearers were:  Tiffany Keener and Steve Etnire. 

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