- Born on: November 21, 1926
- Departed on: August 14, 2025
- Resided in: Marion , IA
Eula Joyce Emmons
Eula Joyce Emmons, 98, of Marion Iowa passed away peacefully on August 14th, 2025. A joint memorial service for Joyce and her husband Gordon will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the Community of Christ Church, located at 1500 Blairs Ferry Rd. Hiawatha, Iowa. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service and begin at 10:00 AM.
Joyce was born on November 21st ,1926 in Carroll, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Gladys Pearson. In 1944 she graduated from Buckner High School in Buckner, Missouri. Following her high school graduation, she attended Graceland College, where she was a guard on the basketball team. Joyce received a special teaching certificate during WWII and taught for two years in a country school near Atherton, Missouri.
On June 21st, 1947, Joyce married Gordon Emmons in Atherton, Missouri. They moved to Gordon’s hometown of Robins, Iowa, where they started their family. Joyce was a homemaker raising three children, Larry, Paula, and Wendy. In later years she worked at Speed Print as a receptionist.
On June 21st, 2025, Joyce and Gordon marked their 78th wedding anniversary. An open house was held, and many friends and family came to help them celebrate this special occasion. They also received many greetings and cards from loved ones which they greatly appreciated.
Joyce was a member of the Community of Christ Church in Hiawatha, Iowa, where she dedicated numerous hours to volunteer work with youth groups and church camps. She drew strength and solace from her faith.
Joyce enjoyed sewing clothes for her daughters and was often found at the sewing machine in the evenings. Following the completion of her family responsibilities, she developed an interest in producing ceramic dolls, including sewing and designing their garments.
Joyce and Gordon participated in several hobbies together including gardening. Joyce spent time caring for the hostas in their beautifully landscaped hosta garden. She enjoyed sharing their garden with others and spreading her love of gardening on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Joyce loved her family and always appreciated all they did for her in her later years. She valued time with her family and was referred to as Ol’ G, a nickname she shared with her husband. The name originated when Cael, one of her great grandsons, asked why she had brown spots on her hands and she replied, “because I’m old.” The nickname Ol’ G continued, and Joyce and Gordon were lovingly referred to as Ol’ G & G from then on.
Joyce’s stories at holiday gatherings were truly uplifting. Two of her favorites were how she and Gordon met and her time teaching in the one room schoolhouse. Her stories were enjoyed by everyone and will be passed down to future generations.
Joyce has always been known for her laugh and friendly smile. In reading her college yearbook, several people mentioned her fun personality. These traits helped her make many good friends of all ages throughout her life.
Joyce is survived by siblings, Lucille McDermott of Independence, MO, and Vernon Pearson (Doris) of Sibley, MO; children, Larry Emmons of Unionville, MO, Paula Mitzel (Fred) of Sarasota, FL, and Wendy Bouslog (David) of Marion, IA; six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, and her parents.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you for the kindness and support from friends and the staff at Terrace Glen Village where Joyce resided. Staff members were so kind to mom and the love they had for Joyce was deeply appreciated.
Joyce was born on November 21st ,1926 in Carroll, Iowa, the daughter of Elmer and Gladys Pearson. In 1944 she graduated from Buckner High School in Buckner, Missouri. Following her high school graduation, she attended Graceland College, where she was a guard on the basketball team. Joyce received a special teaching certificate during WWII and taught for two years in a country school near Atherton, Missouri.
On June 21st, 1947, Joyce married Gordon Emmons in Atherton, Missouri. They moved to Gordon’s hometown of Robins, Iowa, where they started their family. Joyce was a homemaker raising three children, Larry, Paula, and Wendy. In later years she worked at Speed Print as a receptionist.
On June 21st, 2025, Joyce and Gordon marked their 78th wedding anniversary. An open house was held, and many friends and family came to help them celebrate this special occasion. They also received many greetings and cards from loved ones which they greatly appreciated.
Joyce was a member of the Community of Christ Church in Hiawatha, Iowa, where she dedicated numerous hours to volunteer work with youth groups and church camps. She drew strength and solace from her faith.
Joyce enjoyed sewing clothes for her daughters and was often found at the sewing machine in the evenings. Following the completion of her family responsibilities, she developed an interest in producing ceramic dolls, including sewing and designing their garments.
Joyce and Gordon participated in several hobbies together including gardening. Joyce spent time caring for the hostas in their beautifully landscaped hosta garden. She enjoyed sharing their garden with others and spreading her love of gardening on to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.
Joyce loved her family and always appreciated all they did for her in her later years. She valued time with her family and was referred to as Ol’ G, a nickname she shared with her husband. The name originated when Cael, one of her great grandsons, asked why she had brown spots on her hands and she replied, “because I’m old.” The nickname Ol’ G continued, and Joyce and Gordon were lovingly referred to as Ol’ G & G from then on.
Joyce’s stories at holiday gatherings were truly uplifting. Two of her favorites were how she and Gordon met and her time teaching in the one room schoolhouse. Her stories were enjoyed by everyone and will be passed down to future generations.
Joyce has always been known for her laugh and friendly smile. In reading her college yearbook, several people mentioned her fun personality. These traits helped her make many good friends of all ages throughout her life.
Joyce is survived by siblings, Lucille McDermott of Independence, MO, and Vernon Pearson (Doris) of Sibley, MO; children, Larry Emmons of Unionville, MO, Paula Mitzel (Fred) of Sarasota, FL, and Wendy Bouslog (David) of Marion, IA; six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon, and her parents.
The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank-you for the kindness and support from friends and the staff at Terrace Glen Village where Joyce resided. Staff members were so kind to mom and the love they had for Joyce was deeply appreciated.
