Joyce Elinor (Emery) Holmes

Joyce Elinor Holmes, 93 of Bloomington passed away peacefully on March 4, 2025 surrounded by love. Joyce was born on August 25, 1931, in Owensburg, Indiana to Harry and Jennie (Wright) Emery. Joyce graduated proudly from Bloomington High School in 1949. Joyce married the love of her life, John Malcolm Holmes on March 24, 1950. Together they raised three sons Jayson, Judson and Jefferson. She took great pride in her family and the wonderful men, husbands and fathers they became. After starting her family, she continued her education, earning a Bachelor of Education in 1969 from Indiana University and a Master’s in Psychology from Indiana University. She was a lifelong fan of the cream and crimson. Her career began in 1971 at Bloomington North High School, where she served as a dedicated guidance counselor and tennis coach. She made many lifelong friends while working for North High School. Joyce was an advocate for education, guiding and inspiring countless students throughout her career. After decades of service, she returned to embrace life's joys-traveling, volunteering and being a devoted "Mams" to her grandchildren. She instilled in her family a deep appreciation for lifelong learning and perseverance. After her retirement, Joyce loved nothing more than a good auction or garage sale. She also loved volunteering at the Opportunity House in Bloomington and assisting with the annual Historical Society Sale. She spent many summer afternoons entertaining her grandchildren and their friends with ice cream, cokes and the best swimming pool in town. She loved to travel anywhere, especially Arizona. She had a deep love for Southwest culture, art and jewelry. Her zest for life was unmatched. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Norma Gene Inman; her brother, Gerald Emery; her son, Jefferson Holmes; and her devoted husband of 74 years, John Holmes. She is lovingly remembered by her sons, Jayson (Stephanie) Holmes of Evansville and Judson (Mary Anne) Holmes of Bloomington; her grandchildren, Nathan (Danielle) Holmes, Hannah (John) Radzak, Jordyn (Kyle) Knudsen, Harrison Holmes, Hayden (Kayla) Holmes, and Houston Holmes; and her four great-grandchildren, Piper, Henderson, Penelope, and Nolan. Joyce's legacy of love, wisdom, and strength will live on in the hearts of those who knew her. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory, 4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington, with Rev. Larry Mitchell officiating. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Joyce's family finds comfort in knowing that she lived a life filled with purpose, grace and unwavering love for those around her. She will be dearly missed and forever cherished. Online condolences can be shared with her family at www.allencares.com.

Tributes

Joyce Elinor (Emery) Holmes

August 25, 1931 - March 4, 2025