Joyce Morris Phelps

PHELPS, REYES, HANSEN, CARLIN

Posted By: Tara (email)
Date: 7/10/2012 at 12:05:53

Joyce Morris Phelps died on July 4th, 2012 with her family by her side. Joyce was born April 4, 1933 in Elcomb, Kentucky. She was the valedictorian of her high school and college classes and president of her sorority at West Virginia Tech. Joyce taught English and Physical Education. She married Robert (Bob) Francis Phelps in 1960 in Alexandria, Virginia. They had two children, Sarah and Robert. She and Bob collected antiques and together restored an 1860’s Stagecoach House in Manchester, Iowa, successfully listing it on the National Register of Historic Places. In the 60’s and 70’s Joyce was very active in the Democratic party and the anti-war movement. Her husband, Bob, died in 1975. Joyce later held jobs in manufacturing, human services, and at the Johnson County/Iowa City Senior Center.
Joyce lived a rich life full of books, friends, family, antiques, and music. She was an amazing mother and grandmother and took great joy in helping to raise her grandsons, Evan and Miles, and seeing her granddaughter, Chloe. Joyce’s devotion to her children and grandchildren greatly impacted their lives. She passed on her love of nature to them, a respect for the power of the universe, a value of good writing and humor, and a positive outlook. She taught Evan and Miles how to play basketball, a sport they continue to love because of her. Joyce and her sister, Evy, were true Hawkeye fans and spent many Saturdays at Kinnick Stadium, where Joyce enjoyed a Superdog and a Coke while cheering the Hawkeyes to victory. Joyce’s quick wit and intellect challenged her family to stay on the top of their game.
Joyce had an opinion about everything, leading her family to nickname her “the Opinion Lady”. In keeping with her strong opinions about death and dying, her family is honoring her wishes that no memorial service or funeral be held. Her devotion to The University of Iowa and education led to her decision to donate her body to the Deeded Body Program. If you loved Joyce and wish to remember her, take a walk in Hickory Hill Park, watch a Monty Python movie, cheer on the Hawkeyes, or listen to some Bob Dylan or Greg Brown.
Joyce will be remembered by her daughter Sarah, son-in-law Scott, grandsons Evan and Miles, son Robert Morris Phelps, Adriana Reyes, granddaughter Chloe, sister Evelyn and Mike Hansen and Patrick Carlin, along with many caring friends. The family thanks the staff of Lantern Park Nursing and Rehab, Iowa City Hospice, and Dr. Paul Mulhausen for caring for Joyce.
Cards may be sent to the family c/o: Sarah and Scott Hansen, 711 Kimball Road, Iowa City, IA 52245. Memorial contributions can be made to Friends of Hickory Hill Park, P.O. Box 3439, Iowa City, IA 52244-3439.