Joyce Carol (Gregory) O’Banion was born on November 12, 1939, to Cosby R. and Naoma (Jones) Gregory. Joyce grew up in the Mishawaka and South Bend area, graduating from Mishawaka High School with the class of 1957.
She had four siblings, 3 preceded her in death. Ralph, Janice, and Carl. When Joyce married her former husband Jesse, she gained a huge loving family. Jesse preceded her in death in 2007. Joyce was also known as Jodi to the O’Banion family and has been sharing good times and adventures with them for over 60 years.
To the union of Joyce and Jesse they welcomed and raised four daughters: Connie (Jack) Stopper of South Bend; Kathleen (Tim) Coble of North Carolina; Kristine (Mark) Reed of Niles, MI; and Colleen (Dan) Stephenson of Argos.
She was lovingly referred to as Grandma O’B or just O’B to all of her children and grandchildren’s friends. As a devoted grandma she attended many sporting and school events, talent shows, and karaoke nights throughout the years. There are 14 grandchildren, 34-great-grandchildren with one on the way and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Among her many hobbies she enjoyed correcting grammar, beating people in Scrabble, laying in the sun, taking pontoon rides, and being ready for a road trip no matter the destination. One of her favorite places were the hills of Kentucky where she found her father’s childhood home in Monticello.
Joyce was a caregiver for many people throughout her life. When she moved to the 100 Center in Mishawaka she made many friends, several of them who she cared for by making meals and taking them to their appointments. She loved organizing and cooking for special events for the building. Joyce was a cake decorator for over 60 years, working for several different bakeries. Her children and grandchildren have been spoiled by receiving birthday, shower, and wedding cakes. So many friends of the family have referred to her as the “Cake Lady.”
Joyce always had a strong personality and a strong-willed fighter’s spirit, enabling her to overcome several health concerns. She spent the past 1 ½ years residing at the home of her granddaughter, Meghan (Earl) Schmucker in Plymouth IN. Meghan and Earl made a beautiful apartment in their home for Grandma O’B. She loved being able to spend time with her great grandchildren.
One of her final wishes was for family and friends to gather to say a prayer, eat some good food, share some memories, sing and dance and celebrate her life. She requested no funeral. So although we are all sad with her passing we will try our best to honor her wishes and give her the farewell party she wanted.
A Celebration of Joyce’s life will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at North Liberty Community Building 300 S Main St North Liberty, IN 46554. Hall will open at 3:30. Services will begin at 4 P.M. with Pastor Wyatt Smith. Dinner Buffet to follow.
Per Joyce’s wishes any donations given in her memory will be donated to a special niece who is battling cancer.
Johnson-Danielson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be left for the family at www.johnson-danielson.com
