Joyce Irene (Fisher) Gooding

Joyce Irene Fisher Gooding, 87, of Hillsboro, IL passed away on June 1 at Montgomery County Nursing and Rehab. Joyce was born on February 20, 1938 in Galesburg, IL, the oldest daughter of Frank and Irene Fisher. Preceding her in death are her parents, Frank and Irene Fisher, a brother, Curtis Fisher and sister Janice Fisher Giles.

Joyce graduated from Galesburg High School, where she was an expert baton twirler and was a Drum Majorette. She became a Drum Major for Western Illinois University Leatherneck Band. She later received her associate’s degree from WIU. She went back to school later in life and received her bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Sangamon State University.

Joyce married Thomas L. Gooding in 1958 in Baltimore, MD. Shortly after their marriage, Thomas’s US Army orders sent them to Germany. While assimilating into a new culture, Joyce’s love for cooking, flare for entertaining and passion for travel flourished.

After enjoying many years as a full-time mother, Joyce spent over 20 years teaching preschool at Washington Park Preschool in Springfield, Illinois. Joyce was also an avid volunteer and shared her time with countless organizations including her church. She most recently worked on the summer reading program for children at the Hillsboro Public Library.

Throughout her life, Joyce was a beacon of strength and love for her husband, five children and their families. Her unwavering support and guidance will be missed by all the lives she touched over the years. Joyce enjoyed competing in both bridge and tennis, loved to visit the beach and tending to her beautiful plants. Joyce was proud of her Swedish heritage and carried the values of hard work and kindness throughout her life. Joyce had never met a stranger and was a diehard Cub fan!

Joyce was a member of St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, IL, and a former member of Grace Lutheran Church in Springfield, IL. She was active on various councils and participated in vocal and bell choirs.

Remaining to cherish Joyce’s memory are her loving spouse of 67 years, Thomas L. Gooding, her son – Thomas C. Gooding (Maria), daughters - Anne Gooding (Mike Lord), E. Hope Gooding (Christopher Ryan), Amelia Gooding (Derick Cheek) and Emily Gooding (Neil Gustafson); her 15 grandchildren; Caitlin (Chris), Mary Catherine (Will), Thomas A., Emma, Rachel, Elise, Jacob, Lucas, Joshua, Abigail, Anna, Adam, Madeline, Mirabelle and Bianca and 4 great-grandchildren

and sister-in-law Debbie Fisher, nephews, Eric Fisher (Kenya), Brian Fisher (Lori) and Deron Fisher.

Visitation will be at Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro, IL on June 12, 2025, from 3:30-7pm. Funeral services will be held at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Hillsboro on June 13 at 11am with Pastor Munker officiating. A Livestreamed version will be available the day of service on the St. Paul's Lutheran Church Hillsboro IL YouTube page, or by using the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/Sv2FCmHR6FY?si=v-_rx0ZWsvZQf8wA

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joyce’s memory may be directed to Hillsboro Area Public Library District, Grace Lutheran Church, Springfield, IL or St. Paul’s Lutheran Church.

Condolences may be left online at www.basspattondeanfh.com.

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