Mary "Joyce" (Nicolaides) Wallace

Mary “Joyce” Wallace, born on March 5, 1927, in Piggott, Arkansas to Cora and Henry Nicolaides, passed peacefully at the Primrose Retirement Community on August 18, 2023, at the age of 96.

She grew up in Mounds, Illinois, the youngest of ten, Joyce was always surrounded by family and love. Joyce ran track, enjoyed gymnastics, and played the piano in high school. She was homecoming queen at her high school. Joyce married her high school sweetheart, Billie “Joe” Wallace, whom she cherished dearly. Joe and Joyce were married 75 years before Joe passed in 2021. After WWII, Joyce and Joe moved to Evansville, Indiana where they raised their three children, Leah, Paul, and Keith. Joyce volunteered in many organizations over the years, attended East Side Disciples of Christ and attended an all-city Bible class for years. Joyce kept her house meticulous! Joyce's house was always open for many family and friend gatherings. Whenever her sisters and Joyce got together which was often, they always played cards, each had a beer in their hand, and all talked at the same time, yet somehow, they finished each other's sentences.

After retirement, Joyce and Joe moved to Sarasota, Florida where they enjoyed the serenity of their days. Joyce’s favorite place was on her lanai, hand in hand with Joe, watching golfers in the beautiful Meadows neighborhood. Joyce enjoyed golf, bridge, books, crossword puzzles, card games, "Wheel of Fortune," and “Jeopardy!” She was proud of her tropical hibiscus and lavender crepe myrtle plants at her house. Joyce was a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan and so happy for the Cubs to finally win the World Series in 2016.

Joyce was beautiful inside and out, independent, and full of grace. Joyce's strength and private nature were integral to her character. She exhibited kindness, patience, and an ever-present sense of humor. Her ability to make decisions and navigate life's challenges was a testament to her resilience.

Joyce is survived by her children, Leah (Ray), Paul (Brenda), and Keith (Huong); five grandchildren, Michael (Sundas), Adam (Nandin), Kaitlin, Elizabeth (Andreu) and Paul; two great grandchildren, Oscar and Alice; and many many beloved nieces and nephews.

In her final days, Joyce received care and comfort from the dedicated team at Primrose and Heritage Hospice, with special gratitude to caregivers Denise P., Mary B., LaToya J., and Joy M. There will be no public service.

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 Mary Wallace. Condolences may be made to the family online at boonefuneralhome.net

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