Joyce Kay (Pruiett) Wilkie, 75, went home to her Lord surrounded by family 9:35 AM Wednesday Feb. 2, 2022. She resided with her daughter in Casey, IL. Joyce was born July 23, 1945 at Paris, IL, the daughter of Delbert and Jean Scott Pruiett. While Joyce attended school in Marshall, she began working at a local bakery. It was there that she met her first love, Marion Batson Jr. who she married in 1964. Together they welcomed four children; Craig Batson of West Union, IL, Curt Batson (deceased in 1995), Chris (Andy) Edwards of Casey, IL and Carrick Batson (deceased in 1992). After seven years, this marriage dissolved. Joyce later married the second love of her life, Stephen R. Freeman. This union welcomed a daughter, Denise (Mike) Young of Paris, IL and a son, J.D. Freeman(deceased in 2009). They were united for 34 years, until Steve’s passing in 2005. Joyce was employed at Burnsides Nursing Home in Marshall, working as a CNA for nearly 12 years. She later transferred to Regional Hospital at Terre Haute, IN. At Regional she worked as a Patient Tech. and loved floating all the floors in the hospital. She later began working at the Lamb Center and Job Stress Center, working a total of 15 years. Her last year of service there, she tried her hand in the Activity Dept. Joyce finished her working career at Westminster Village at Terre Haute, IN in the Leisure Activity Dept adding an additional 12 years of service. Now retired and widowed, Joyce connected with her third husband, Burney C. Wilkie. They were wed and resided in Aurora, IL. Burney has 5 children who also live in that area. Joyce became a member of the Genesis Community Church and shared her musical talent of playing piano and keyboard. Though Joyce resided in Aurora, IL, she never forgot her roots of Marshall, IL. She would make visits back to see many friends and family who she dearly loved. She had special affection towards her grandchildren, who also showed the same adoration. They called her “Gram” and they shared many special moments together. One of her favorite sayings was, “Love you more!” Joyce would be sure to console with her BFF, Mary Jane McCarty of West Union, IL. Also, time was spent with her two daughters, Chris and Denise; her son Craig; her sister, Patty (John) Garner of Marshall and brother Mike (Linda) Pruiett of Clarksville. She loved all of her extended family and spoke often of her aunts, uncles, cousins, her in-laws, nieces and nephews. Joyce was a fabulous cook! She would serve up her homemade noodles and yeast rolls. She had a “secret ingredient” for her mashed potatoes and her old fashioned recipe, peanut butter fudge which was well spoken of. She also loved to make fresh Pla-doh and playing board games with her favorite being Yahtzee. In her youth, Joyce discovered her God given talent of playing piano by ear. She had taken a month worth of lessons, through her aunt Betty Whitkanack and she never stopped playing! She played at home as well as any church she was attending. Joyce’s love for her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was imminent in every season of her life. Having a love for life, she lived unselfishly without reservation. She loved much and was much loved. As a devoted and faithful mother, wife, Gram, daughter, sister and friend, it was a privilege and blessing to know her. In addition to her parents, her husband, Steve and 3 sons, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter Heather Edwards and brothers, Bob, Doug and Randy Pruiett. Services in honor of her life will be 2:00 PM Sunday at Pearce Funeral Home with Pastor Tim Duke officiating. Visitation will be from 12 Noon until service time Sunday at the funeral home. For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made to Lincolnland Hospice. Online condolences are being accepted at pearcefuneralservices.com.