Joyce Ann McClure was born February 22, 1943 in Waterloo, Iowa to Edward D. and Alberta (Fowlkes) McClure. On October 25, 1958, Joyce married Phillip (Phil/Fred) Parks and had three children, Rebecca, Brenda and Brett. During their life together, Phil and Joyce managed the Grimes Building Cafeteria in Des Moines IA, the Harbor House Supper Club in Harpers Ferry IA, then made their home in Ossian IA, where they owned and operated the Ossian Cafe.
After Phil’s death November 10, 1995, Joyce worked as a custodian for the South Winneshiek Elementary School in Ossian until she retired in 2009. She then worked at the Union Co-op convenience store enjoying the company of the townspeople she used to see when working at the Cafe, never one to miss an opportunity to brag about her family, or debate politics.
Joyce’s Baptist faith was unwavering making her sacramental passage a blessing. She was an active community member/advocate willing to speak up during meetings she would attend, served on various committees, and found great fulfillment with her dear friends throughout the area and at the Ossian Senior Hospice.
Joyce will be remembered for her service to others, exhibited in her labors of love; knitting and crocheting prayer shawls, afghans and holiday gifts for loved ones and those in need all around the country. Joyce had a knack for crafts, enjoying trips to craft shows with a gift of reproducing items she would see, from memory, giving away most of what she made.
Her love and loyalty for family and friends was an incredible example of selfless dedication to relationships and genuine care for their welfare. If you were traveling, no matter family or friend, she would request you call her once you arrived at your destination to ensure you made it safely.
Joyce loved and cherished photographs of family and friends, collecting many through the years. Her pride and joy were her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. The walls of her home were decorated with family photos and artwork the children made.
She enjoyed Fox News, cups of coffee, company anytime of the day, a good debate, jigsaw puzzles, card games and going out for lunches and dinners with her dear friends. Her dedication to her political party was evident in her great desire to vote in the 2020 election. Casting her ballot was one priority she had before passing, to ensure her vote counted for the right party.
Joyce passed away, after a brave extended battle with cancer, at her home with family at her side, Sunday, November 1, 2020.
She is survived by her siblings, Richard McClure (Sara), Raymond McClure (Sue), Susan Marvets (Ed), along with her children Becky Maubach (John), Brenda Timp (John), and Brett Parks (Sue). She was blessed with, and cherished, her grandchildren Kristen, Amanda, Michelle, Sarah, Erin, Keely, Christopher, Erich, and Adam, in addition to her great grandchildren, Kelby, Haleigh, Brennan, Marlee, Mallory, Calvin, Reagan, Summer, Avery, Brody and other beloved relatives.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Phil Parks, her parents Edward D. and Alberta McClure, and her siblings Artus Moritz, Ralph McClure, Nellie (Cathy) Pettit, and Edward J. McClure.
