Joyce A. (Gerhardt) Pullen

Joyce A. Pullen, 81, of Oquawka, IL, passed away 10:15 a.m., Sunday, May 10, 2020 at her home surrounded by her loving family.

She was born on May 21, 1938 in Iowa City, IA, the daughter of Charles and Thelma (Stevens) Gerhardt.  Joyce was raised and educated in the Henderson County area and graduated from G & O High School.

Joyce married Jessie L. Pullen on May 19, 1956 in Oquawka, IL; he preceded her in death in October of 1993.

Joyce was a homemaker.  She also worked for 15 years at the Henderson County Health Department.  Taking care of her grandchildren and great grandchildren was one of her greatest joys.  Joyce enjoyed playing bingo, going to the casino, and loved being outdoors.  Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Surviving Joyce are two daughters, Cheryl (Norris) Crooks of Oquawka, IL, Lori Pullen of Oquawka, IL; four sons, Scott Pullen of Oquawka, IL, Lawrence Pullen of rural Stronghurst, IL, Jeff (Suzanne) Pullen of Oquawka, IL, and John F. Peterson of Oquawka, IL.  Also surviving is her brother, Bobby (Jeanette) Gerhardt of Lake Okeechobee, FL; sixteen grandchildren, thirteen great grandchildren; and daughter-in-law, Penny Pullen of Oquawka, IL; numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Jessie Pullen; one son, Rick Pullen; three sisters, Irene Toney, Ruth Stevens, Dorothy Gerhardt; and three brothers, Donny Gerhardt, Chuck Gerhardt, and Bill Gerhardt.

Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, a private family funeral service will be at McGuire & Davies Funeral Home and Crematory, Monmouth, IL.  Interment will be in Oquawka Cemetery, Oquawka, IL.  Memorials can be made to the Joyce Pullen Memorial Fund.