Ms. Joyce Lynnette Helm Francis

February 10, 1953 - March 11, 2019

Joyce Lynnette Francis, (66) of Peoria, Illinois was born on February 10, 1953 to Noble Helm, Jr. and Iona (Wright) Helm in Decatur, Illinois. She died Monday, March 11, 2019 at the University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, Illinois. Joyce loved the Lord Jesus Christ and dedicated her life and strength to His service. She was known as the modern day “Dorcas” for her sacrificial help to her family, friends, fellow educators and students. She was a dedicated employee to the Peoria Public Schools District 150 for over three decades of service. Joyce taught at the Adult Education Center, Woodrow Wilson Primary School and the Sterling Middle School. There was not an environment that Joyce was not teaching and sharing herself for help and information. She embodied lifetime learning and received several academic degrees. She nurtured hundreds of Administration, Faculty, Staff and Children’s lives with her love and sacrifice. Joyce after 33 years of classroom teaching was found tutoring at Whittier Primary & Trewyn. Serving was her mission. Joyce was a devoted member of her beloved, Bethel United Methodist Church, Peoria, IL. She was extremely involved in Bethel, serving as a choir member, Sunday school teacher, and a variety of ministry support activities. Joyce was member and current vice-president of the Nu Pi Omega Chapter of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She was a member of the Illinois Education Association-NEA, and the National Association of University Women (Peoria Branch). She served in many capacities in these organizations. Joyce was always moving and on the go. There will be a huge loss to every corner of the Peoria community. Joyce leaves to mourn in her passing two brothers Rev. William (Anita) Helm, Woodbridge, VA and David (Bridget) Helm, Lexington Park, MD and one sister, Dora “Darlene” Helm, Kansas City, MO. She leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews. Joyce was proceeded in death by her Mother and Father, her brother Timothy Helm and a nephew, Christopher. In her last weeks, there were dear friends and loved one at her bedside in which we will always appreciate. In lieu of flowers, Joyce asked that donations be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 210 North Richard Pryor Place, Peoria, IL 61605 and/or the National Association of University Women Scholarship Fund Funeral services will be held at 10 am on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at First United Methodist Church with a visitation at 9 am. Pastor Tyson Parks, III will bring forth the eulogy, and retired Pastor Gary Wilson will officiate. Joyce will be laid to rest at Parkview Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolence may be made at SimonsMortuary.com.