Joyce Kilmer (Jones) Land

Joyce Kilmer (Jones) Land, 95, peacefully left this world and went to her heavenly home on February 26, 2026. She was a devoted Christian, loving wife, and mother. Joyce was born April 15, 1930, in Dunnville, Kentucky, part of a large, wonderful family.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Gertrude Jones and siblings, Christine, Cecil, Jeanne, Joseph Jr. and Barbara. Joyce lost her beloved husband of 58 years, Earl, in 2010.

She is survived by her son, Gregory Earl, daughter, Teresa Kanter (Randy), grandchildren; Matthew Kanter, Lindsey Gruenwald (David), Jordan Kanter (Allison) and Joshua Kanter (fiancé Livy Zienty), greatgrandchildren; Kiersten, Josiah, Adalynn, Isaac, Samaya, and Landyn; eight nieces and nephews.

Joyce attended Berea College and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University with a B.A in Education. She taught 2nd grade for over 25 years in the Kettering, Ohio public school system. Joyce was a dedicated teacher and particularly delighted in working with students to master the skill of reading which she continued with her grandchildren.

Joyce and Earl were committed Christians, having accepted Christ as their Savior soon after their marriage in 1952. They faithfully served the Lord in the Southern Baptist Church, teaching Sunday School, singing in the choir, and being a witness to others of their faith. Upon retirement, Joyce’s first love was to spend as much time with her children, grandchildren as well as traveling throughout the United States and Europe.

Joyce’s outgoing personality, genuine sweetness, and infectious laughter endeared her to all who knew and loved her. She will be greatly missed, especially by her devoted children whose love brought her much joy-through Teresa’s daily visits and Greg’s beautiful music.

The family wishes to sincerely thank the staff at the Evansville Protestant Home for their loving care and many kindnesses shown to Joyce over the past 10+ years. Many thanks also to AseraCare Hospice for their professional care and support.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, March 6, 2026, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue with Rev. David Gruenwald officiating. Entombment will be in Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Friends may visit from 10:30 a.m. until service time, Friday, March 6, 2026, at Boone Funeral Home East Chapel.

A Live Stream will be available beginning twenty minutes prior to the service time. Please visit www.boonefuneralhome.net, select Joyce’s obituary, scroll to the bottom of the page, and click View Video/Live Stream.

Boone Funeral Home East Chapel – A Family Tradition Funeral Home, 5330 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, is handling the arrangements and is honored to serve the family of Joyce Land. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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