Joyce Lynn Beard, 82 years of age, departed this life on June 6, 2024, at her residence in Springfield, Illinois. She was born to Corrine Shipp and Archie Shipp of Springfield, Illinois on November 27, 1941. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, and brother, Donald Shipp.

 

Joyce graduated from Feitshans High School in 1959. Following graduation, Joyce studied and received her business of science degree at Southern Illinois University (SIU) Carbondale, School of Home Economics in June of 1964. Her passion for education led her later in life to study at University of Illinois where she received her master’s degree. After graduating from SIU, Joyce took her first job of teaching at the Lincoln Development Center. This love of teaching expanded to District 186, Southeast High School where she taught until her retirement after 41 years in 2009. Joyce touched many lives during her career, and her passion of teaching students was her life. 

 

Joyce married Harold E. Beard, Jr., and from this union came two beautiful daughters, Rachel and Sabrina. Although their marriage did not last, they reconnected as friends later in life and their friendship was a true testament of what love can do. 

 

Besides spending time with her family, friends, and favorite pet, Bear, Joyce had a love for sewing, watching old westerns, and playing Scrabble. Joyce was an avid sports fan, and her favorite teams were Chicago Cubs and Kansas City Chiefs. 

 

Joyce was a long-time member of St. Paul A. M. E. Church, and she loved her church family. 

 

She leaves to cherish in her memory: her daughters, Rachel Beard and Sabrina Beard, both of Springfield, Illinois; cousin, Janice Hilton of Chicago, Illinois; cousin, George Smith (Gloria) of Houston, Texas; niece, Marilyn Gary of Chicago, Illinois; niece, Asenath Wilburn (Rob) of Dallas, Texas; niece, Stacy Moore (Russell) of Coon Rapids, Minnesota; daughters of love, Angie Starr, Dawn Smith, and Kay Day; along with a host of other family and friends.