Joyce A. Fleck
September 23, 1940 ~ February 3, 2025
Joyce Ann Lockhart Fleck was born September 23, 1940, in Huntington, Indiana, to Wilbur and Esther (Fleming) Lockhart. In 1960 she married Richard G. Fleck of Columbia City, and in 1962 earned a BS in Laboratory Technology from Indiana University. Joyce worked as a Lab Tech at Columbus Hospital until her younger son, Brad, suffered a brain injury and developed special needs. She cared for him until he was able to attend school; she then launched a second career as a teacher of English as a Second Language, beginning as a classroom volunteer, soon becoming certified as a professional teacher, and ultimately directing the ESL program at McDowell Adult Education Center. Over her 20 years at McDowell, Joyce changed the lives of students from all over the world.
Joyce loved to travel and loved to laugh. Her innocent exterior belied a wicked sense of humor that was sharp but never mean. She was known for striking up conversations with strangers in big cities. Warm and easy to talk to, always ready for an adventure, she believed the best about everyone.
Joyce is survived by her husband, Richard; sons Timothy (Robert Schmeler) of Miami and Bradford of Columbus; and sister Norma Pinney of New Haven. She was predeceased by her brother James Lockhart.
Friends and family are invited to a Memorial on Sunday, February 9 in the chapel at Four Seasons Retirement Center, 1901 Taylor Road, Columbus. Calling from 2:00-4:00, service at 4:00. Arrangements by Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home. Memorial gifts may be made to The ARC of Indiana (https://www.arcind.org/).
You are welcome to view her video tribute, light a virtual candle of remembrance and send a message of condolence to the Fleck family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com
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Martha C. planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Joyce A. Fleck.
It was truly a pleasure to know and work with Joyce over the years. Her smile and her laugh was always uplifting. She also delivered meals on wheels to my Mother for a period of time. My Mom loved visiting with Joyce and appreciated the time she took to make Mom feel cared for by others in the community. She will be missed so very much. My deepest condolences and prayers to her family.
Thank you for sharing your memories, Nancy.
We have wonderful warm memories with Dick, Joyce, Tim and Brad. Your loss is our loss. You are forever in our hearts. John (JT) and Donna Evans
I first became aware that Joyce was a special person back in high school even before she became my first steady girlfriend (for about 1 year). During that time, both she and her family were a major positive influence on me. We lost contact after 1960 but reconnected in 2011 when I sent her a Facebook message, and we have been regularly corresponding that way ever since – until her last message which was just 15 days ago. Her natural inclination and ability to be a positive influence has always been there, and I feel lucky to have known her.
I meet Joyce when I started taking care of Brad and I would express ways to help Brad and she would agree to try my suggestions and make things a little easier on Brad. I had Richard as a history teacher at Columbus North High School. She will be greatly missed.
Sympathies to the Fleck family and friends as they grieve the loss of Joyce. When I knew her she was always upbeat and smiling. I enjoyed helping provide respite care for Brad and Joyce liked to hear my stories about things he did, such as happily sitting on my then teenage daughter’s lap. 🙂
Ginger Louder Hallett
Deepest sympathy to the Family so sad for your loss
Joyce was a pleasure to get to know such a sweet lady, She is surely going to be missed Always Sending you peace and comfort in these difficult days…
With Love, The Stephen Families purchased the Beautiful in Blue for the family of Joyce A. Fleck.
Lake,kai, A. planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Joyce A. Fleck.
Peace, The St. Thomas Vestry purchased the Divine Peace Bouquet for the family of Joyce A. Fleck.
Peace, The St. Thomas Vestry planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Joyce A. Fleck.
The Bakers – Georgeanna purchased the Forever Our Angel Bouquet for the family of Joyce A. Fleck.
The Bakers – Georgeanna planted a Memorial Tree in honor of Joyce A. Fleck.
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Joyce was an amazing ESL teacher! I met her back in 1994. I didn’t know any English, and her dedication, patience with me and all the students at McDowell Adult Education, was outstanding. She had a sense of humor that made us laugh and feel at ease. You will be missed, but heaven will be happy to have you back. Rest in peace, Joyce! May God Bless your family and comfort them. Our sincere condolences. Aline and Juarez Pinheiro
Your Light Shines was purchased for the family of Joyce A. Fleck.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Joyce A. Fleck.
Joyful Memory was purchased for the family of Joyce A. Fleck.
A Memorial Tree was planted in honor of Joyce A. Fleck.
Joyce shared her love and ESL expertise with our Haitian friends at Fairlawn Presvyterian Church, helping them make sense of English while having a blast. Her smile spoke volumes! Thank you Joyce
I met Joyce twenty-three years ago when I began working with Brad. It wasn’t long until we became friends, a while later we became family. We had cookouts together, and many Christmas parties with my brother playing Santa Claus. She always had a smile for everyone. She became ‘Grandma Joyce’ to my three grandchildren, Lake, Kai, and Alaska. They share in their grief. We created a wonderful memory when we went out for dinner six weeks ago and then attended a live show in Nashville IN. Joyce was still talking about it a few weeks ago. I will miss those wonderful times with her
Joyce was very important to us when we first arrived in the USA from Brazil back in 1992 and 1994. We will never forget her kindness and beautiful smile. You will always be in our hearts Joyce. 🥰 Aline e Juarez Pinheiro.
I taught with Joyce at McDowell Adult Education Center for fifteen years.
Although Joyce had many life challenges, she always presented with a smile, a laugh and a kind word. She was a special person and I feel blessed for having known her. I admired her strength and optimism; I shall miss her.
Joyce Robinson
Timonium, MD,
Formerly Columbus, IN
I am so sorry. I’ll always remember her smile.
Joyce was my first English teacher when my family came to the US about 30 years ago. Back then ESL was taught in McDowell for the highschools and she became my teachers. She was a fun, encouraging but also demanding teacher. She also taught my parents and they stayed in regular contact, while I occasionally ran into her, she always had a big smile, something good to say. Thank you Joyce for everything you gave us, we will miss you. Tamás Rauznitz and family
Lovely school mate in Huntington High. Smile that never faded and humor that never failed. Left us with the best ever of memories, never to be forgotten. Gvido (Al)_Lemke.
I met Joyce thru her husband Richard who was a teacher of mine. I sat for their two boys when my son was just a toddler. Joyce had a smile that could light up a room and I love both her and Richard that they trusted me to care for their boys.