Joyce A. Nyilas

Joyce was born April 9, 1935, in Bloomington, IL, the daughter of Kenneth and Violet Louise Collier Neal. She married George W. Nyilas on June 26, 1954, in Springfield.

Joyce graduated from Lexington High School in 1953 and was her class valedictorian. She co-owned and operated Nyilas Cleaning Service until her retirement in 2005. Joyce also sold Beeline fashion and Princess House Crystalware. She was a member of Lakeside Christian Church where she taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and was a member of the Praise Team. Joyce was also a member of the American Business Women’s Association and the Red Hat Society. She volunteered at Lewis Memorial Christian Village. Joyce enjoyed playing Bunco, bowling, and traveling, especially to Branson. She especially treasured family time.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Shirley Armstrong (husband, Keith); son-in-law, Tom Carpenter; brother-in-law, Richard Nyilas; and sister-in-law, Marilyn Williams.

Joyce is survived by her husband, George “Bill” Nyilas of Chatham; her children, Virginia “Ginny” Carpenter of Lake St. Louis, MO, Vickie Yemm of Springfield, Valerie (husband, Ron) Flores of Madison, AL, and Kenneth (wife, Kathy) Nyilas of Springfield; twelve grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; brother, Jerry (wife, Jan) Nicholson of Athens, AL; and many special family members and friends.

Cremation was provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Ceremony and Gathering: 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at Lakeside Christian Church, 225 Toronto Rd., Springfield with Pastor Jon Morrissette officiating. A gathering will follow until 4:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Lakeside Christian Church, 225 Toronto Rd., Springfield, IL 62711; American Heart Association, Greater Midwest Affiliate, Memorial and Tributes, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674; or American Kidney Fund, 11921 Rockville Pike, Suite 300, Rockville, MD 20852.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home—Chatham, 8855 State Route 4, Chatham, IL.