Joyce Deborah Meyer

December 21, 1957 – March 5, 2023

Joyce D. Meyer, age 65, of Champaign, died Sunday, March 5, 2023, at her home with her wife (Faye L. Lesht) and her best friend (Nila Blair) by her side.

Joyce is survived by her wife, Faye L. Lesht, her mother, her sister Bess (Steven Karczynski), in-laws Barry Lesht (Kay Schichtel), David Lesht (Maxine), Carole Mostow (Michael), nieces and nephews Hudson, Alison (Jake), Deanna (Paul), Kevin, Tracy, Bryan, Sam (Grace), Danny, and Julia and three great nephews. She was preceded in death by her father.

Joyce was born and raised in Chicago. She earned her B.A. in Political Science and her M.S.W. from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. She worked as a social worker, an instructor at Parkland College, and at the University Archives.

Joyce was devoted to the Jewish principle of tikkun olam, “repairing the world” and was involved in many activist causes. She campaigned for political candidates she viewed as important to the welfare of our community and the nation. She served on the boards of Illini Hillel, the Prairie Zen Center, and the Champaign-Urbana Jewish Federation, where she chaired the Holocaust Education Committee.

Joyce was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend. She cared deeply about people, her community, and country. She will be deeply missed.

Graveside services Wednesday, March 8 at 11 a.m. at Mt. Hope Cemetery, 611 E. Pennsylvania Ave., Champaign, IL, 61820. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WILL/Illinois Public Media, Champaign Urbana Jewish Federation, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Morgan Memorial Home, morganmemorialhome.com.