Wanda "Joyce" Bethel

Wanda “Joyce” Bethel, 86, of Evansville, went home to be with the Lord, whom she served and loved dearly her entire life, on Tuesday, November 18, 2014. She was born May 15, 1928, at home in Evansville, to the late Rev. Ira T. and Emma O. (Copeland) Hargis.

She graduated from Central High School in 1947. She was faithfully devoted to her family who loved her dearly. She was a completely selfless person who spent her life caring for others. After retiring from Inland Container, she served as a Patrol Lady (Crossing Guard) at Delaware School. Joyce was a lifetime member of Pentecostal Prayer Center until the church closed. She served as a Sunday school teacher for 25 years and was a faithful member of the Ladies Aid, of which she served as President for many years. She recently attended God’s Way Church. She enjoyed writing poetry, crocheting, and had a large bell collection.

Wanda was preceded in death by her husband, Albert E. Bethel; son, Joseph “Scott” Bethel; brothers, Earl and Floyd Hargis; sister, Christine Burdon; and sister-in-law, Patty Schneider.

She is survived by her daughters, Jennifer (Jim) Embry, Pamela (Steve) Bennett, Kristina (Robert) Stasi, and Melissa (Allen) Johnson; sons, Donnie (Kendra) Bethel and Teddy (Angie) Bethel; grandchildren, Jessica Embry, Jaymie (Thomas) Hobdy, Amy and David Bennett, Misty Miller, Benjamin (Melanie), Caleb, Kaitlin, and Kendall Anne Bethel, Kalei (AJ) Gamble, Robert, Rocco, Emma, Ira, Shiloh, and Isaac Stasi, Michel Johnson, and Jack, Owen, and Finn Bethel; great-grandchildren, Jonathan and Jenna Embry, Jordyn and TJ Hobdy, and Siena Johnson; sister, Shirley “Lib” E. Stone; and sister-in-law, Nell L. Smith.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, November 22, 2014, at Alexander North Chapel, officiated by Rev. Jim Stuteville and Brother Wayne Miller, with burial in Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may visit Friday from 3:00 to 8:00 PM and Saturday from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.