Joyce J. Dillon

Joyce grew up in Detroit and graduated from high school in 1949. She went on to several business colleges and to Detroit Bible Institute. After moving to Colorado in 1958 she attended and graduated from Parks School of Business and attended jewelry making at Colorado School of Mines where she learned much about precious metals. Several children around Galilee Baptist wore baby gold rings that she made. She made a ring for her Dad that won her a National Award in 1949. Joyce worked for the automobile industry in Michigan until she moved to Colorado after she married Bob in 1958. Joyce worked in the oil and gas industry in Denver for Conoco Oil, Texaco and several others in oil exploration.

Joyce met Bob in the summer of 1956 when she and two of her girlfriends came to Colorado on vacation. They stopped off in Denver to visit Dr. Raymond and Alice McLaughlin and Alice Mathews from their church in Detroit. Dr McLaughlin was a Professor at Denver Seminary The courtship between Bob and Joyce was a long distance one because they were only together 4 days and the rest was done by phone and letters. They were married at Joyce's church, Gratiot Avenue Baptist on Oct. 18, 1958.

While growing up in Michigan, she tried most sports from racing cars, roller derby, basketball, softball and tennis. She played clarinet, sax and trumpet in school and church. She won awards on clarinet.She played piano but was not that good. Joyce would say, "I played too many instruments and if I would have stuck to one or two, I might have been good." No matter what she did with sports she always had time for the Lord and church. She taught Sunday School at Galilee for over 50 years. She loved making crafts of all kinds for Sunday School, church activities and others. She did bulletin boards at Galilee for over 50 years with Bob's help. Joyce worked with the Seniors Group for over 18 years with Bob's help and did the archives at Galilee. She played in the church orchestra and sang in the choir for years.

Joyce is survived by her husband of 53 years, Bob, sister H. June Petter, two nieces Doris Meyer and two daughters, Ruth Ann (Edwin) Ponder and three children; three nephews, Dr, John C. (Sue) Petter and three children, David G. (Jennifer) Petter and two children, Donald J. (Julia) and one son and a host of other family members and friends.

Joyce's favorite scriptures are Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" and Joshua 24:15 - "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord".

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Joyce to Tri-City Baptist Church, 6953 West 92nd Lane Broomfield, CO 80021 or Galilee Baptist, 1091 South Parker Rd, Denver, CO 80231.