Joyce Farlow, a vivacious wife, mother, friend, and mentor, died May 15. She was 61. Joyce desired to truly love the Lord and live every day for Him.
Joyce was born to Rev. James and Jean McCoy in Lawrence, Illinois, and spent her childhood in Illinois, graduating from Quincy High School. She left the state to attend Faith Baptist Bible College in Ankeny, Iowa, and later received a BA degree from Cedarville University.
Joyce met Mickey Farlow at a church youth rally during high school. They married on July 5, 1974. Together they served Altoona (Iowa) Regular Baptist Church; First Baptist, Fremont, Michigan; First Baptist, Eldora, Iowa; Grace Baptist, Cedarville, Ohio; and Calvary Baptist, Quincy, Illinois. In May 2013 they moved to Harvest Baptist Church in Oswego, where Mickey is pastor of care.
Those who knew Joyce describe her as a homemaker, a bubbly personality, a true friend, a listener, and a prayer warrior. She had a radiance that shone her love for the Lord and others, says Marcia Marion, Harvest Baptist’s office manager. Joyce was extremely creative. She is known for her sewing, decorating, love of art, substituting ingredients in cooking, and desire to learn everything, including in-depth Biblical studies. At Harvest Baptist, Joyce was active in the choir, Ladies’ Coffee Break Bible Study, women’s retreat, and many other facets of church life. She was also a mentor to younger women. Joyce will be remembered, too, for her sweet spirit, love of her husband and family, and delight in her children and grandkids.
Joyce was preceded in death by her father and a brother. She is survived by her husband, Mickey; three children, Jeremy, Andrea, and Julia Forshee; seven grandchildren; her mother, Jean McCoy; and three siblings.
