Joyce E. (Shopmeyer) Fuqua

Joyce Elizabeth Schopmeyer Fuqua, Age 59, a cherished member of the Riley, Indiana community, passed away peacefully on March 9th, 2024 surrounded by her family. Despite the family being profoundly saddened, they are comforted knowing that she is now in the arms of her heavenly father, free from pain & suffering.

Born May 5, 1964 in Brazil, Indiana to Suellen & Michael Schopmeyer, Joyce was a lifelong resident of the Center Point, Clay County & Vigo County Communities.

Joyce was preceded in death by her Parents, Suellen & Michael Schopmeyer, Mother and Father-in-law, Leora & Robet Fuqua, Grandparents Lloyd & Joe Collins and Mary & Vernice Schopmeyer, Sister Connie Black, Brother Brian Schopmeyer, and Brothers-in-laws Stephen Field & Michael Field.

Joyce, a lifelong learner, graduated from Clay City High School in 1982. She earned her BS & Master’s Plus 30 degree in Education & Administration from Indiana State University. Her passion, commitment & dedication to education guided her through a 38 year career as a classroom teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal, and Dean of Students.

As a result of growing up with two brothers with special needs, Joyce became a champion advocating for students with special needs. During her tenure with the Vigo County School District Joyce mentored, inspired, and challenged many of her professional colleagues, leaving a lasting imprint on the education community.

Faith and family were of utmost importance to Joyce. She enjoyed spending time with her loving husband, Greg. Together, they cherished time spent with their children and grandchildren. A few of Joyce’s most precious times were vacationing in their home in Key Colony Beach, FL, attending ISU Basketball games, and spending time at the lake on their boat with her grandkids. Joyce loved attending her grandchildren’s school and sporting events. Her most cherished title was ‘Memaw’. Joyce was a faithful servant of Christ always meeting the needs of others. She was a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, and an amazing friend to many.

Joyce is survived by her Husband Gregory Fuqua, Stepdaughter Kelsey & Ethan Veatch of Brazil, Stepson Kyle & Kylee Fuqua of Terre Haute, Grandchildren Branson & Bristen Fuqua and Parker & Paxton Veatch. Other family survivors Sister Kimberly Phillips & Bill Beeson of St. Pete, Sister Lori & Craig Modesitt of Cory, Brother Joseph Schopmeyer of Cory, Sister & Brothers-in-law Henry & Jamie Field, Mitch & Dawn Fuqua, and Lisa & Todd Smith. Several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews & cousins.

The family will host a memorial to celebrate Joyce’s life on Friday April 12, 2024, at DeBaun Funeral Home at 85 East Springhill Drive Terre Haute, Indiana 47802. Visitation will be 3:00pm-5:00pm with memorial services starting at 5:00pm. There will be a dinner to follow.   

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