Joyce J. Andrews, of Prior Lake (formerly of Eveleth), passed away peacefully on November 16, 2015 at the age of 86. A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 19, 2015 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation, Prior Lake. A Celebration of Life Service is Friday, November 20, 2015 at 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church, Prior Lake. Joyce’s grandsons will act as pallbearers, and she will be laid to rest at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.
On December 19, 1928 Chester and Mae Johnston celebrated the birth of their beautiful baby girl, Joyce Joanne. She was the oldest of three children and loved growing up in Eveleth with her siblings, Adrienne and James. As a child Joyce developed a strong passion for music. She even sang in the church choir.
During her senior year of high school, Joyce met the love of her life. She was at a party and saw a man playing the piano from across the room. That man was John “Jack” Andrews. They hit it off instantly. The following Christmas Eve, Jack proposed to Joyce. They exchanged wedding vows on August 14, 1948 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Eveleth.
They moved to Colorado while Jack pursued his dream of becoming a pharmacist. Jack and Joyce lived and worked in Colorado for a few years, but eventually moved back to Minnesota. They settled in Duluth for a few years, but then moved to Prior Lake where they raised their five boys, Jim, David, Bruce, Paul and Grant.
Jack and Joyce owned and operated Andrews Rexall Drug from 1961 – 1979. They loved working together, and Joyce added a feminine touch to the store. She coordinated the flowers, cards and gifts sections of the store. After there was a fire at the store, Joyce semi-retired. She began working part-time for JC Penney. Joyce was a hard worker and liked to stay busy.
Joyce was a very talented woman, and throughout the years she shared her talents with her community. She loved producing a local radio program with her husband. Donut Dunkers was on KSMM for more than 15 years. Joyce also turned her musical talents into something that helped others. She co-founded the MN Valley Voices. They performed at local nursing homes and schools during the holidays.
As a woman of strong faith, Joyce was an active member of Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church. She made the church’s communion bread for more than forty years and coordinated church luncheons. Joyce also donated her time to organizations outside the church. She volunteered at the Eagle Creek Thrift Store and for Meals on Wheels. Joyce was part of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary and acted as secretary for the MN Iron Rangers Association for many years.
When Joyce wasn’t doing something for others, she enjoyed making crafts and painting ceramics. She even made ceramic Christmas trees for each of her boys. Joyce was also a wonderful cook and baker. Her specialties included red velvet cake, chow mein and pasties.
Joyce was a kind and loving woman. She was so generous to her family and community. During the early evening of Monday, November 16, 2015, Joyce went to be with the Lord. She passed away peacefully with her family by her side.
She will be missed deeply and remembered always by her sons, James (Carol) Andrews, David Andrews, Bruce (Paula) Andrews, Paul (Charmin) Andrews, Grant (Bernadette) Andrews; special nephew, Mark (Cindy) Ritchie; many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-nephews; other loving relatives and friends. There to greet Joyce in Heaven is her husband, John “Jack” Andrews; infant daughter, Teresa; parents, Chester and Mae Johnston; sister, Adrienne Ritchie; brother, James Johnston.
Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation proudly serves the Andrews family.
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Debbie Watkins
Jesse and Family: I wish to express my deepest sympathy to you for the loss of your grandmother, Joyce Andrews. I know she was well loved and was a pillar in your family. Cherish the memories she has left behind until you meet again.
Chris Hardee and Kelly Willis
So sorry for your loss Mother, Grandmother, and friend. No words can ever replace the love we share with our loved ones. Take the memories and love you shared with Joyce and carry them with you all the days of your life. She will forever be in your memories and in your hearts. Many blessings and peace for the Andrews family during this time.
Pam Green Busse
I was so sad to hear of the loss of your mom. I always enjoyed visiting with her at church in the past. And working my first job at the drug store for your dad I always loved seeing her. May she be at peace and may all of you relive the wonderful memories you have had with her during these difficult days.
Peace to you and your families.
Dawn and Ernie Johnson
Paul, Charmin, Madison and Noah,
Ernie and I were so sad to hear of the passing of Joyce. Words hardly seem adequate at a time like this but know that Joyce will always be remembered for the Christmas cookie bakes, the family gatherings at the holidays, her kindness and generosity. She always made me feel a part of the Andrews family. Although she may be physically gone, her spirit will live on in the memories and moments she touched in all of our lives Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Meridee Gassen
I want to express my sincere sympathy at the passing of your mother and grandmother Joyce. She always made time for others and was an especially good friend to my mother. May the memories that you share with each other keep her alive in your hearts. Meridee (Bluedorn) Gassen
Melody Dawn & James Thomas
Just wanted to express our deepest condolences to you and your families for the loss of your grandmother. Memories of her will last a lifetime. May peace be with you and many blessings! Just wanted you to know you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Steve Hafermann
I remember when your mom and dad had the drug store and how Joyce was always so helpful. she will be missed dearly in the city of Prior Lake. my prayers and thought go with you in the days ahead.
Becky Bergmann
I met Joyce when Shepherd of the Lake Lutheran Church developed a handbell choir. She was in the same choir with me and we quickly became friends. She was witty and cheery, and always dependable. She played with the choir for several years, but I also noticed how she was involved in so many other volunteer opportunities at church. She gave of herself in so many ways to this growing ministry. Whenever our paths would cross, she would have a joke, a smile, or a cheery attitude for what ever was happening around her. Thank you Joyce, for being a very special friend. My sincerest sympathies to Joyce’s family. i know she will be greatly missed.
David J. Kalton
I remember growing up in LakeSide Manor along with her family. There was always plenty of activity in the neighborhood with the baseball and football games. Joyce and her husband were always there to liven up the environment. My heart goes out to each member of the family while Joyce embarks on meeting with my father John Kalton.
Merrie White Buono
So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing. I have fond memories of her. She was a kind woman with a great smile. I will pray for your family.
Steven and Bonnie Scherer
Please accept our deepest condolences at the loss of your mother. We were long time customers at their store. Your parents were wonderful people and blessings to the community and everyone that knew them.
Kermit Mahlum
I spent many years working with Shepherd of the Lake projects and volunteers. The number of things that joyce did for the church was unbelievable. She was honored by Channel 11 Who Care for all the volunteer work she had done. She was a dear friend and like a second mother to me. I’m so sorry that I am out of the state this week and not be able to celebrate her life with all those who loved her so dearly.
Pam Whitemore
I had the pleasure of working with Joyce many, many times on various committees and projects. There was no harder worker on sharing her passions. She never said no, she was such a breath of fresh air. I have missed her and all she did to build the ministry at Shepherd of the Lake. Rest well, Joyce. Heaven received one of the best!
Brian Robertson
Paul, Charmin, Madison & Noah
So sorry to hear of Joyce’s passing, she was such a lovely lady and will be missed by all who knew her. Always a smile, and always willing to pitch in an help with whatever was needed. When you were invited to a meal, no one ever went hungry! In meeting Joyce for the first time, you knew you had a new friend for life. Cherish all of these wonderful memories of your Mother and Grandmother, and know that a part of her lives on in all of you. My deepest sympathy to your family.
Shawn Nowlan
I never ever heard of a Joyce Andrews or the book “Bible Legacy of the black the race Prophecy Fulfilled”.
by Joyce Andrews. But last night I had a dream of both and saw a woman who looked like this Joyce.
Kind Regards
Shawn Nowlan