Joyce Alvey

"Jesus said unto her, 'I am the resurrection and the life; he that believeth in me though he were dead, yet shall he live. And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?'" — John 11:25-26

Anna Joyce (Coomes) Alvey, 95, passed away peacefully on August 5, 2026, surrounded by her loving daughters.

Joyce was born on February 10, 1931, in Owensboro, Kentucky, to the late Joseph Herman and Mary Drusie (Clark) Coomes. She attended St. Francis Academy in Owensboro and graduated in 1949.

On June 18, 1955, Joyce married Donald Lee Alvey. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community, and were blessed with three daughters: Kathleen Denise, Lee Anne, and Sara Lynn. Her family was the center of her world, and she treasured every moment spent with them.

Joyce dedicated 25 years to educating young children as a Kindergarten Teaching Assistant at St. Paul School and William Tell Elementary School, retiring in 2003. She also spent many summers teaching arts and crafts, sharing her creativity and encouraging generations of children.

A lifelong woman of deep faith, Joyce was active at St. Stephen's Cathedral Parish in Owensboro before moving to Tell City, where she became a devoted member of St. Paul Catholic Church. She served on the parish council and generously gave her time to many church ministries. She was also an active member of Tri Kappa, the Tell City Historical Society, the Perry County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, the Hoosier Heights Country Club Women's Golf League, and faithfully participated in a monthly bridge club for more than 70 years.

Joyce was truly a people person. Whether volunteering at the Perry County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar, working the Tell City High School concession stands, or simply visiting with friends and neighbors, she loved connecting with others. She was happiest when surrounded by people and rarely met a stranger.

An avid sports enthusiast, Joyce enjoyed playing golf, tennis, and pickleball for many years. She was an enthusiastic supporter of Tell City athletics and could often be found cheering on the Marksmen—unless they happened to be playing one of her grandsons' teams. She traveled throughout the tri-state to watch her grandchildren compete and proudly wore shirts proclaiming herself "Grant and Garrett's Granny." Even in her later years, she faithfully followed golf, Indiana University athletics, the Indiana Fever, and the Las Vegas Aces, always ready to discuss the latest game with anyone willing to listen.

Joyce's talents extended far beyond the ball field. She loved quilting, knitting, sewing, gardening, and spending time with friends. She lovingly created countless table runners, washcloths, and baby quilts for the Perry County Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Bazaar. One of her greatest joys was making quilts with her quilting group for babies baptized at St. Paul Catholic Church. Many evenings were spent around her sewing table laughing with friends. She also enjoyed tending her flowers and blackberry bushes, which often became homemade jams and delicious cobblers. If someone invited her shopping, she was always ready to go—especially if it included lunch or a stop for ice cream.

More than anything, Joyce lived a life of generosity. She was always doing something for someone else, whether volunteering, creating handmade gifts, encouraging her family from the sidelines, or simply offering a kind conversation. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, and unconditional love.

Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Donald Lee Alvey; her daughter, Kathleen Denise Hennig; her parents, Joseph Herman and Mary Drusie (Clark) Coomes; and her siblings, Mary Ruth Coomes, Tommy Coomes, Joseph "Bucky" Coomes, and Ronnie Coomes.

She is survived by her daughters, Lee Anne (John) Little and Sara (Mark) Reynolds; her son-in-law, David Hennig; her sister, Jane Rowland; her brother, Donnie Coomes; her grandchildren, Michael Joseph (Elizabeth) Little, Justin Lee (Elizabeth) Little, Jackson (Julie) Reynolds, Jared Reynolds, Grant Maas, Madison Reynolds, and Garrett Maas; her great-grandchildren, Issac, Abigail, and Savannah Reynolds, William and Mary Little, and Elijah and Ezra Little; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers of Heart-to-Heart Hospice, who became like family during Joyce's final months. Their kindness and support will always be remembered.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, August 10, 2026, at St. Paul Catholic Church in Tell City with Father Tony Hollowell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 9, 2026, and from 8:30 until 9:30 a.m. on Monday at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul Catholic Church, Heart to Heart Hospice, 415 E. Sixth Street, Jasper, IN 47546, or to the donor's favorite charity.

Condolences may be left at zoercher-gillickfuneralhome.com.

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