Betty Joyce Burge

Born May 27, 1928 in Makanda, IL to William Frederick and Rosa Mae (Eaves) Blessing. She married Perry Abel on May 14, 1947 in Peoria and he preceded her in death on May 25, 1972. She then married Leslie A. Burge on October 14, 1988 in Bloomington, IL and he preceded her in death on August 25, 1994. Her parents, five brothers, three sisters, one daughter, Nancee Murphy and two grandchildren, Carie and Joseph Murphy also preceded her in death.

Surviving are her children, Bradley (Kathleen) Abel of Peoria and Luann (Mark) Marzinzik of Germantown Hills; four grandchildren, Steven Abel of Pueblo, CO; Ruth Abel of Peoria, IL; Samuel Haddad of Evansville, IL and Nicholas Marzinzik of Peoria; one sister, Evelyn Stanley of San Diego, CA and many nieces and nephews.

Joyce worked as a grocery clerk with A &P Tea Co and then for over 15 years with Del Farm Foods before retiring in 1979. She was a member of RSVP and was active in all Neighborhood House activities for seniors. She was a member of Bethel Presbyterian Church, where she served as a Deacon, sang in the choir and taught Sunday School.

Visitation will be Tuesday, March 6, 2012 from 6 to 8 pm at Davison-Fulton Woodland Chapel in Peoria. A funeral service will be Wednesday, March 7, 2012 at 10:00 am at the Funeral Home, the Rev. Ben Johnston will officiate. Burial will follow at Parkview Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Neighborhouse or Vitas Hospice Program.