Obituary of Martha Joyce Douglas

Martha Joyce (Jones) Douglas, a lifelong resident of Bedford, passed away at 11:58 pm on February 16, 2023, at IU Health Bedford Hospital after an extended illness. Delivered at home in Oolitc by Dr. Dollens on December 6, 1938, she was the daughter of John Paul Jones and Sara Elisabeth Pearl (Sproles) Jones. Joyce was a 1957 graduate of Oolitic High School. She married her high school sweetheart, Phillip Gordon Douglas on December 6, 1957. A short eleven months later, she gave birth to her baby son, Gordon Scott Douglas, who resides in Bedford with his wife Eliana. Just over two years later, they welcomed a baby girl, Reba Diane Douglas, who resides in Bedford. Rev. Snow of Faith Mission Church Bedford joined them together in matrimony for a marriage that lasted sixty-two years, two months, and sixteen days. Joyce always joked that while Rev. Snow was performing the ceremony, he started crying because he knew it wouldn’t last. Joyce also bragged they spent a total of $25 on the ceremony. She was a lover of giraffes and an avid collector of anything giraffe related, including a sweater decorated with a giraffe’s long neck and head. Joyce’s favorite season was Christmas. She often decorated three trees in the house, and it was not uncommon for Christmas decorations to remain displayed throughout the year. Her greatest passion and joy in life where her two children, Scott and Diane; her five grandchildren, Arron Douglas of Washington, Phillip Douglas (Carol) of Fort Lauderdale, Cody Douglas (Lindsey) of Shoals, Emily Douglas of Bedford, and Dustin Spencer of Greenwood, who preceded her in death. Joyce is preceded in death by her mother, her father and younger brother Buddy, who both died in a swimming accident when Joyce was little, and a sister, Geneva Mae. She is survived by a younger brother, John Paul Jones (Gerry) of Bedford, and a sister, Michelle Bennet of Radcliff. Joyce was adorned with nine great grandchildren, Landon Douglas, Elizabeth Douglas, Steven Douglas, Levi Douglas, Brayden Douglas and Bailor Douglas all of Shoals, Caitlin Aleman of Jeffersonville, and Carter and Greyson Fox of Bedford. She was also blessed with an extended family of several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted in the Elmwood Chapel of the Day & Carter Mortuary on Monday, February 20th at 1:00 pm with Pastor Adam Strauser of the Bedford Free Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow at Cresthaven Memory Gardens. Visitation will be from 10:00 am until the hour of service on Monday, February 20th, at the Day & Carter Mortuary. Family and friends may express condolences at www.daycarter.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Joyce, to the White River Humane Society.