Joyce Elaine Crowder

Joyce Elaine Crowder, passed away on July 29, 2026, in Columbus, Indiana, the same city where she was born on September 1, 1952. She was a devoted wife, mother, Nana, sister, musician, and friend whose life was marked by faith, creativity, and thoughtful care for others.
Joyce shared almost 55 years of marriage with her husband, Scott Crowder, and together they built a family that was the center of her heart. She is survived by her sons, Zach (Jessica) Crowder and Lucas (Becky) Crowder; her daughter, Breanne (Jason) Vogelpohl; her sister, Anita Kay (Danny) Burton; and her beloved grandchildren, Kendrick Crowder, Kaleb Crowder, Adelaide Crowder, Annamarie Crowder, Parker Crowder, Jacquelyn Crowder, Evelina Vogelpohl, Raegan Crowder, Avery Crowder, and Everett Vogelpohl. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Evan Redmon and Thelma Eileen King Redmon, and her sister, Mary Ellen McConatha.
For 32 years, Joyce served faithfully as Minister of Music at First Baptist Church, where her gifts touched countless lives. She was a pioneer in directing various choirs and bell choirs, and her leadership helped shape a lasting legacy of worship and musical excellence. She was also an active member of the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians, where she shared her talents and her love for sacred music with others who valued the same calling.
Joyce was creative in all she did, and she brought that creativity into her music, her home, and her relationships. She was faith-filled and thoughtful, and those qualities were evident in the way she encouraged others and carried herself through life. Above all, she cherished her primary role of being “Nana,” a title she embraced with joy and pride. Her grandchildren were a constant source of happiness, and she treasured every moment spent with them.
She also leaves behind her faithful dog, Trio, who was a cherished companion. Joyce’s life was one of devotion, service, and love, and she will be remembered for the warmth she gave so freely to her family, church, and community. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her influence will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
Services celebrating Joyce’s life will be held 2:00 p.m. on Saturday August 8, 2026 in Jewell-Rittman Funeral Service and Crematory with Rev. Howard Boles officiating. Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and from 1:00 p.m. until the service time on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions in memory of Joyce may be made to the Fellowship of American Baptist Musicians through the funeral home. You are invited to view her video tribute, and send a message of condolence to the Crowder family via the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com