Joyce Bowles

Joyce E. Bowles was born August 6, 1933, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, the fourth of six children to Helen and Armor Boyd. She passed away on October 26, 2025, in Hanover, MD after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

After graduating from Ardmore Douglass High School and earning her Bachelor of Science in Dietetics from Lincoln University (1955), Joyce moved to Chicago for her Dietetic Internship. Facing employment barriers, she turned to social work, ultimately dedicating over thirty years to the Illinois Department of Public Aid. Joyce was also active as an Amway distributor and cooking instructor.

A lifelong member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Joyce sang in numerous choirs, served in church groups, and championed community causes. She traveled extensively, both domestically and internationally, often including her family on these adventures. Her unwavering commitment to her special-needs son and involvement in organizations exemplified her devotion. By today’s standard, she emulated a Formula One driver on the highway and mission orientated courier in the city making frequent stops in nursing homes and hospitals faithfully visiting the sick and shut in.

In retirement, Joyce continued her service through literacy tutoring, leadership roles at Kelly United Methodist Church, and ongoing volunteerism. She is remembered for her faith, resilience, and love of music and family.

Joyce is survived by her son Darryl Bowles and his wife Pamela, sister Melita Boyd-Poole, grandchildren, great grandson, and many nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was preceded in death by her parents, former husband Destin H. Bowles Sr., son Destin H. Bowles Jr., and four brothers.

Memorial Services will be conducted on Saturday December 6, 2025, at 11 am in Chicago, IL.