Joyce Kistler's Obituary
Joyce E. Kistler, 67, of Brownstown, IL, passed away peacefully at 9:27 AM, Saturday, August 10, 2024 at her home, surrounded by family.
Per Joyce’s wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM, Saturday, August 24, 2024 at Liberty Christian Church in Sefton Twp., Brownstown IL. A Memorial Service will follow at 1:00 PM, with Rev. Lorin File officiating. There will be a meal served following services. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to the Family of Joyce Kistler, Warrior Nation Cancer Foundation, or Hagarstown Baptist Church, where she was a member. Online condolences can be expressed at www.hohltandfilefh.com .
Joyce Elaine Bunyard was born on August 20, 1956 in Vandalia, IL, the daughter of John William Bunyard and Ruby Jean (Hayes). In her younger years Joyce started out in beauty school. She worked as a beautician for several years. Eventually pursuing her true love, working in the medical field. She became a CNA, although her dream was to be a nurse. She was known to family and close friends as Dr. Joyce . However when the opportunity presented itself to run her own cafe in Brownstown IL. she jumped at the chance. Joyce started out operating a little cafe in Brownstown and eventually purchased her own place, what would become known as Joyce’s Cafe. She had found her niche’ in life. After many successful years in business her and her sister Jeanie Mccammack opened the infamous Bunyard’s Cafe in Vandalia IL, known for home cooked meals and “Ho-Made-Pies”. She married Clarence “Mike” Kistler in 1995; he survives.
Joyce was a God-fearing woman with a heart of gold. She never met a stranger, was never one to judge, and would give anyone and everyone the shirt off of her back or even her last dollar. Her contagious laugh was definitely one of a kind. She had an avid love for Coca-Cola, BINGO, on-line shopping, gambling machines, cooking and baking; no one would go hungry around her. Despite all of these wonderful attributes, Joyce had her quirks. She was late to absolutely everything, yet wouldn’t wait on you if you were running behind. Joyce was also notoriously known to be a TERRIBLE driver. You could often find her running down the middle of the road. Joyce lived life to the fullest and cherished every moment, especially those spent with her family.
She will be forever remembered by her daughter, Tina Chandler of Brownstown; son, Chad Kimberlin of Brownstown; daughter, Sam Kimberlin of Mt. Olive; daughter, Brittany and husband Drew Spencer of Vandalia; sisters, Judy and husband Tom Steiner of Mulberry Grove, Jeanie McCammack of Brownstown, Anna Bell McCart of Lafayette, IN; grandchildren, Andi, Lane, Autumn and husband Tanner, Meaghan, Branson, J.T., Kinsley, Emery, Elaine, Brooks; and two great-grandchildren, Attlee and Truett.
Preceded in death by her parents; step-dad, Robert Scullen; husband, Tom Kimberlin; husband, Jim Russell; daughter, Emily Kistler; daughter-in-law, Carrie Kimberlin; sisters, Janet Bell, Jackie Chrisman, Loretta Wheeler, Suze Bunyard, and Paula Gum; infant brother, Willie Dean; brother-in-law, Vernie McCammack; and special friend, Wesley Evans.
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