Joyce Alice Colwell

Joyce was a single mom of two young children when she received her LPN License while working full-time but it never stopped her from showing up at her kids sporting events. She spent most of her working years as a night nurse in nursing homes. Many times she would be the one holding someone’s hand when their family wasn’t there as they passed away. She took pride in being able to provide that comfort. She did many things before becoming an LPN, such as a police officer in Middletown and multiple security jobs. She was feisty for a 5’3 120-pound woman.

Movies and TV were a huge part of life. She was one of the first to have HBO when it came out in 1975. She loved going to the movies and the drive-in with her kids every weekend. She was an avid football fan and never missed a game. Her apartment was covered in The Ohio State, Dallas Cowboys and the Cincinnati Bengals football stuff.

She and her sister were oil and water, but they were inseparable. They loved celebrating holidays and family gatherings, playing card games, poker and board games.

Joyce never left a conversation without it ending in ‘I love you.”

She was always trying to help others and was committed to her family. She will be remembered and missed by everyone who knew her and her fierce red hair.

In addition to her parents, Raymond and Emma Jean Boxwell, she is preceded in death by her sister, Janice F. Boxwell.

She is survived by her son, Chad Colwell; daughter, Mashayla Colwell; nephew, Kevin Frasher; niece, Mindy Froman; and stepchildren, Lisa and Bill Colwell.

A Memorial service will be held from 4:00 PM-6:00 PM on Friday, August 21, 2026, at Breitenbach Anderson Funeral Home, 517 South Sutphin Street, Middletown, OH 45044.

Please visit www.breitenbach-anderson.com to leave online condolences for the family.