Joyce Allyn Pappas, 89, of Fort Madison, IA, passed away at 6:45 pm on Friday, November 14, 2025 at Cedar Lake Memory Care in Lake Zurich, IL. She was born on October 30, 1936, in Keokuk, Iowa, the beloved daughter of John E. and Margaret Wildman Bennett. She married James Pappas on October 12, 1957, in Fort Madison, where they built a lifetime of memories together. He preceded her in death on February 27, 2015.

A 1954 graduate of Fort Madison High School, Joyce attended the University of Iowa for two years before beginning her professional life. She worked as secretary to the advertising manager at Sheaffer Pen Company and later devoted many years to raising her children. When she returned to the workforce, she served as a credit assistant at Chevron Chemical Company; assistant to the manager at the Best Western Iowan Motor Lodge—where she also directed its senior club, Three Score & More; and, in her later years, as a clerical assistant at Menke & Company in West Point

Faith and service were central to Joyce’s life. She was a lifelong member and elder of Union Presbyterian Church, singing in the choir for more than 55 years and serving for many of those years as Clerk of Session. She was a devoted member of Chapter BS, P.E.O., since 1966, holding numerous offices including Chapter President. Joyce also volunteered with the North Lee County Retired Seniors Volunteer Program and served as chairman of its Advisory Council.

Joyce was a voracious reader—she read thousands of books over her lifetime—and was an avid follower of the news, always eager to discuss world events. She especially loved sharing the history of the Iowa State Penitentiary, where her father, John E. Bennett, served for more than 38 years, including as the first warden to rise through the ranks within the state’s penal system.

Joyce and Jim cherished traveling to visit their children and grandchildren, as well as spending summer vacations in Minnesota. She treasured her lifelong friendships—some beginning as early as grade school—and held them close throughout her life. Among her many joys were the trips she planned and escorted for the Three Score & More Club, bringing people together through shared adventure.

Joyce is survived by her daughter, Julia Miera (Steve) of Albuquerque, NM; her son, Scott Pappas (Christine) of Lake Zurich, IL; and three grandchildren: Joshua Miera (Courtney) of Brighton, England; Matthew Pappas (fiancé Rowan Conklin) of Minneapolis; and Eric Pappas (Tara) of Chicago, IL. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Eleanor and Julian Miera, along with cherished nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jim; her grandparents; and her sisters and brothers-in-law, Beverly and Carl Schmidt, and Carol and Melvin Beck.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the caring people of Cedar Lake Memory Care and Suncrest Hospice for their tenderness, compassion, and support during Joyce’s final months. Joyce will be remembered for her kindness, her quiet strength, her dedication to service, and the love she poured into her family, friends, and community.