Obituary

Joyce Nell (Ewart) Self, 93, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 at Asbury Gardens in North Aurora IL. Born August 5, 1931, at home in Bedford Iowa, she was born to the late Troy and Deloris (Cameron) Ewart.

Joyce was a woman of unwavering belief, whose love for the Lord shone through every aspect of her life. She was a faithful servant to God. She retired from Copley Hospital after 15 years and worked 38 years at the Messenger Public Library.

Her favorite hobbies were reading, sewing, creating “stampin up” cards, playing cards, gardening, antique shopping, camping out west, traveling and spending time with her family and friends. She also had a special love for animals. Dad & her enjoyed dancing to big band music.

Joyce was a 1947 graduate from East Aurora High School and 6 years later married the love of her life, Joseph Edward Self Jr. on June 13, 1953. They were married for 55 wonderful years and together had 5 children. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and aunt. She was a member of English Congregational Church in Big Rock, IL.

She is survived by her children, Rick (Michele) Self, Jodeen (Kelly) Duryea, Jeri (Michael) Covelli Jr., Jeannine (Wade) Thompson and Julie (Daniel) Johnsen; grandchildren, April, Kristina, Spencer, Jonathan, Tiffanie, Jason, Brandon, Michael III, Brianne, George, Molly, Sydney and Alissa as well as 17 great grandchildren, several nieces, and cousins.

Along with her parents, Joyce was preceded in death by her loving husband, Joe; step-father, Spencer Jones; sister, Charlotte; brother and sister in law, Robert & Ruth Denell; nephew, Gary Denell; several uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins, and her special fur baby cat, Fred.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Asbury Gardens who loved and cared for Joyce for the past 16 months.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to English Congregational Church of Christ in Big Rock, IL or Hospice.